- May 2, 2024
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At-risk children learn important lessons at Sheriff's Youth Camp
Wayne Grant
News Editor
The words “summer camp” bring back strong memories for a lot of people. The first time away from mom and dad … basic, simple living in the woods, sitting around fires … learning about other people and yourself.
“Camp changes your life,” said Cori Welbes, director of camp services for Sheriffs Youth Ranches. “There’s a magic that happens.”
Many lives are changed each summer at Sheriffs Youth Camp, 1170 Youth Camp Lane, Barberville, according to campers, counselors and administrators, and Ormond Beach has an impact. Groups such as Business League Network donate their time to repair or paint facilities. League President Julian Cantillo, of Axiom Health Care Marketing, said one of the things he likes about the camp is that it allows contact between the children and police officers, showing them that police are their friends.
Let kids be kids
The 10-to-15-year-old boys and girls come from various backgrounds, some of them disadvantaged. School resource officers reach out to families who have few options for summer activities and to those with children who are showing warning signs of future trouble. The camp is free, and anyone can apply at youthranches.org.
The mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is to help instill direction, confidence and hope. The camps get them away from the influences in their normal life.
“The idea is to let kids get away and be kids for awhile,” said Debi Girard, of Ormond Beach, donor relations officer, “They have to grow up so fast.”
While the campers are there only for a week, many return year after year.
Daniel Phillips, 22, has been a counselor at the camp since he was 15.
“I love it,” he said. “It’s empowering to see the kids learn to play as a team. And you learn something about yourself each year.”
Children learn team work and respect
Phillips said the Challenge Course at the camp is where the campers learn team-building skills. They must work together to solve problems, which helps build trust. The team concept carries through all aspects of camp life, even dinner, Phillips said. They eat family style and learn to pass food and serve each other.
Camper Deana Realpe-Tardiff said she had developed more respect for herself at others.
“At home, I make my bed now and clean my room.”
Girard said these may sound like simple tasks to us, but not to the parents.
“I get letters saying the kids are cleaning their room and wanting to help with dinner for the first time,” she said.
Camper Dejia Brayboy said she hopes the camp helps her accomplish her dream of joining the Air Force, by teaching her to stay focused on goals.
An important aspect of the camp is that the kids spend time with deputies throughout the week. The deputies are able to build relationships with young people who sometimes have negative perceptions of police.
On the last day of camp, before the graduation ceremony, the deputies who have helped at the camp all week drive to the cafeteria with lights flashing and sirens wailing. The deputies wore shorts and T-shirts all week, so the kids see them for the first time in their dress uniforms. They get to look at all the police equipment in the cars.
Girard sees the event as symbolic.
“It’s one of the big decisions a kid will make in their life,” she said. “Whether they will be riding in the front or the back of a police car.”
Visit youthranches.org or call Girard at 800-765-3797.
Local groups help the children
The Sheriff’s Youth Camp is about 30 minutes from Ormond Beach, but residents have a big influence on the 200-acre wooded area that sees hundreds of campers from across the state each year. Organizations such as Business League Network and companies such as Total Comfort help out by donating labor and materials for various projects. The camp is 85% supported by donations, with other money coming from government sources.
Julian Cantillo, president of the Business League Network, Ormond Beach, said BLN was formed when the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2013 members were on a community service project and decided they wanted to continue to give back to the community.
“Every year we choose a charity,” Cantillo said.
The league brings their own particular business skills. For example, Scott Pearson, of Southern Paints, Ormond Beach, was able to offer his expertise when the group painted the boat house and another building.
In addition to charity work, Cantillo said they also meet for networking and it has been very successful for the members.
Dan Hucks, president of Total Comfort Heat and Air Conditioning, 400 U.S. 1, worked out a deal with Carrier and provided air conditioning for a couple of the buildings. He was honored at a recent graduation ceremony at the camp along with Kohl’s and Discount Tires. Business League Network had been thanked at an earlier ceremony.
Also, Sheriff Ben Johnson received a plaque for his donation of $100,000 Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches that was taken from confiscated drug money, with $30,000 earmarked for the local Youth Camp.
