Summer is only a couple of months away on the calendar but the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office CPIU(Crime Prevention & Intervention Unit) is already planning for our 2019 C.H.A.M.P.S. Summer Camp. The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office has either hosted or co-hosted a summer camp for the past nineteen years. Before being elected Sheriff, Ted Thomas of the Dougherty County School Police (a former Albany Police Officer) and I coordinated a six-week camp for children and teenagers known as the G.R.E.A.T. Summer Camp. Students who successfully completed the 4^th, 5^th, or 6^th grade character education component known as G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) became eligible to attend the summer camp. Since my election as Sheriff, my focus has been on teaching C.H.A.M.P.S. (Choosing Healthy Activities & Methods Promoting Safety) to 5th graders throughout Dougherty County.

C.H.A.M.P.S. was developed by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association in 2003 and has grown rapidly, being taught by many Sheriff’s Offices throughout the state. The curriculum is taught to 5^th graders and has 21 different modules or topics. The modules range from alcohol and drug prevention to safety issues at home and in our neighborhoods. C.H.A.M.P.S. is designed so the instructor can adapt it to the needs of the county and school. Captain Terron Hayes is the head facilitator with assistance from Sgt. Luther Lane.

The 2019 C.H.A.M.P.S. Summer Program is one of the most comprehensive youth programs in the state of Georgia. The camp offers diversity of both education and recreation that will enrich and enhance the lives of the children participating in the program. Law enforcement personnel from the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office and the Dougherty County School Police will supervise and also educate the youth on the dangers of drugs, involvement with gangs, bullying, peer influence, dangers of alcohol, etc. The students will have the opportunity to interact with law enforcement to ask questions and learn how to deal with various issues. The camp will also include skating, a trip to the movies, and even a trip to a water park in Dothan, Alabama. Open recreation will also be available each day.

The 2019 C.H.A.M.P.S. Summer Program will be located at Merry Acres Middle School. It will start on May 28, 2019, and will continue for five weeks, ending on June 28, 2019. Operating hours will be from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all participants at no cost. The age for campers will range between 6-14 years old. For more information, please contact Capt. Terron Hayes at (229) 344-4363 or (229) 431-2169.