Summer is right around the corner and the law enforcement agencies in our community know that usually brings an increase in crime. Often, the increase in crime is due to youth who are out of school and have nothing constructive to do. That’s why for over twenty years the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the School System and others to operate a summer program for local youth. This year, the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office and the Albany Police Department will be working with the Dougherty County School System to conduct a summer camp for over 100 local area youth.

The Albany/Dougherty Youth Unit Summer Camp Program is a continuation of one of the most comprehensive youth programs in the South Georgia area. This summer program offers diversity of both education and recreation that will enrich and enhance the lives of the children participating in the program.

During this year’s summer camp, the focus will be on mental health, which is an increasing concern throughout our community. Along with the mental-health programming, participants will attend character education programs that reinforce the cognitive, social, and self-esteem-building lessons that the students were taught during the school year. Additionally, youth will learn life skills to help them avoid delinquent behavior, learn about healthy lifestyles, and will participate in “Success for Life” prevention education classes that cover various positive youth development topics.

The campers will also have the opportunity to take field trips, participate in friendly competitive events, and conduct teambuilding exercises. The camp and field trips are free to all participants.

As many of you know, my career with the Sheriff’s Office has focused a great deal on working with youth. I have taught thousands of character education classes, spent countless hours in the schools, worked with hundreds of youth and their families, and even taken troubled youth into my home to let them live for a time. In my opinion, there is no better way to help strengthen and secure a community than to develop the upcoming generation of adults. 

Programs like this summer camp help to create a positive relationship between the youth of this community and the law enforcement men and women who serve it. It creates an opportunity for mentorship and friendship that may never come about by any other means. It may also provide those young people with a positive role model and a person to reach out to if they are ever in need.

One of the most significant benefits of our officers and deputies connecting with youth is the development of trust. Trust is an essential component of any positive relationship, and when law enforcement officers take the time to connect with young people, they can establish trust that can last a lifetime. By building trust, young people are more likely to turn to law enforcement for help and guidance when they need it, and this can lead to a stronger and more secure community. For more information, please contact Capt. Ted Thomas at (229) 302-3638 or [email protected].