Submitted by John Ball, Madison County Undersheriff
(Madison County, NY – July 2013) Even steady rain couldn’t dampen the 
spirits of 12 Madison County children Sunday morning, July 28 as they boarded the charter bus to the 2013 New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute’s Summer Camp, located near Penn Yan on Keuka Lake.
The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp provides a solid recreational program combined with the development of a sense of good citizenship. 2013 marks the 37th year of the camp’s operation, supported by the Sheriffs’ Association’s Honorary Members through their contributions and annual dues.
This year the camp will accommodate over 900 deserving boys and girls from across New York State for one-week periods.
“It’s rewarding to see the kids excited and looking forward to their time at summer camp,” said Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley. “For some of these kids, this is the first time they will have an experience like this, leaving life-long memories.”
In discussing the objectives and goals of the camp, Riley stated “the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp Program is designed to provide a child who ordinarily would not have the chance, an opportunity to go away during the summer.”
Riley also pointed out that “the primary objective is to create a positive interaction between the kids attending camp and the Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs who participate in the camp programs. We have found from experience during previous summer camps that the kids develop a renewed respect and understanding for the men and women who enforce our laws.”
Throughout the week-long stay, the children observe special exhibits and demonstrations presented by Sheriffs’ Offices from across the State. Included in these presentations are D.A.R.E. based-presentations, boat and bike safety programs, law enforcement equipment and technical demonstrations, archery competitions for accuracy, and numerous outdoor-based activities just for fun.
Attending this year are: Cathy Chapman (DeRuyter), Andrea Collins (Munnsville), Ashley Cousino (Munsville), Branden Eastman (Munnsville), Thomas Lynch (Oneida), Lyla O’Hara (Eaton), Logan Pederson (Oneida), Dakota Tharp (Oneida), Kyle Railey (Oneida), Justin Stevens (Oneida), Kelly Greene (Munnsville) and Kadin Martin (Canastota).
The children will return from summer camp Aug. 3.