The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to children in July by providing them a free Junior Deputy Camp.
The camp will be July 11-13 at the Halifax County Agricultural Center on Ferrell Lane next to the courthouse and sheriff’s office. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and lunch, transportation, and T-shirts will be provided. Deadline for applying is June 19. The camp is for children ages 8-12.
(A registration form is provided as an attachment at the end of this story)
The camp is part of Sheriff Wes Tripp’s Benefiting the Children of Halifax County effort. “We want to put a positive face on law enforcement. It’s one of the many proactive initiatives we’re doing in the county.”
Tripp says there will be a wide range “of fun-filled law enforcement-based activities” and at the end of the camp those attending will receive a T-shirt and certificate of graduation.
A bike rodeo with bikes provided is planned and the sheriff is looking at doing a mini driving course with the office’s golf cart.
The camp gives the children an option for summer activities, the sheriff said. “Summer’s coming and kids and parents are looking for something to do. We hope it will be successful.”
Major Jay Burch said the camp will also provide anti-bullying information, teaching campers to be leaders instead of followers. A mock crime scene investigation is also planned. “It’s helping to build a rapport so the community doesn’t look at us as a threat but helps them understand we’re out there as a community resource.”
Tripp said no county tax dollars are being used and the event will be held through the help of sponsorships and monetary donations.