08-03-2012 Florida Sheriffs Youth Camp - Highlands County ...

Highlands County Sheriff ’s OfficeSheriff Susan Benton434 Fernleaf AvenueSebring, Florida 33870863-402-7200www.highlandssheriff.orgNEWS RELEASEAugust 3, 2012Highlands County CampersVisit Florida Sheriff’s Youth RanchDually AccreditedHow does this picture (left) turninto this picture (below)? Oneweek at the Florida Sheriff’sYouth Ranch will do it! Againthis year twenty two youngstersfrom Highlands County wereescorted to the Florida Sheriff’sYouth Ranch in Inglis, Florida,by Deputies Helms, Purvis,Lightsey and Giguere and Sebring Police Officer Tindell, all School Resource Officers,for a week of adventure, activity and fun. The camp hosts boys and girls from ages 10– 15 from around the state at no cost to parents except for the physical exam requiredfor acceptance. The one week sessions go on throughout the summer and provide anopportunity for deputies and other law enforcement volunteers to interact with theyoungsters and build positive relationships. 2012 camper Michael Helms said thecamp helped him “…face the fear of the high rope and meet new people.” JensenSapp enjoyed playing four square and the trip to Rainbow Springs.” Elizabeth Griffinsaid it was “…really fun and even when it rained we played games indoors.” MikayelaBerrones enjoyed “…meeting new people and singing camp songs.”As President of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, Sheriff Benton says, “The FloridaSheriff’s Youth Ranches which was founded in 1957 by the Sheriffs of Florida andremains one of our constant priorities”. The Mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth

Ranches is to prevent delinquency and develop strong, lawful, resilient, andproductive citizens who will make a positive contribution to our communities foryears to come. The camping programs have been in existence since 1982 and havebeen at Ingls for the past 10 years. “Our children always have an outstanding time atcamp. We look forward each summer to taking our kids on this journey,” according toSheriff Susan Benton.If you are interested in having your child attend the camp next year, contact yourSchool Resource Deputy. For more information on the Florida Sheriff’s YouthRanch, please visit their website at www.youthranches.org.Nell Hays, CPSPublic Information OfficerHighlands County Sheriff’s OfficeOffice: 863-402-7369Mobile: 863-214-2533