Public Safety Youth Camp returns

Campers will be introduced to the basics of firefighting, rescue and law enforcement. This daily camp was created for the purpose of providing a fun, enriching and educational introduction to the world of public safety.

The overall goal of this camp is for youth to have the opportunity to explore potential career options while simultaneously learning lifesaving skills. This camp is full of fun activities while ensuring that safety is the utmost priority.

The camp will be held at the Halifax County Fire Training Grounds with limited seats available (1016 Middle School Circle in South Boston, located behind the Halifax County Middle School). Campers must arrive each day at 8:30 a.m. and must be picked up by 4 p.m., with camp promptly beginning at 9 a.m.

Lunch and drinks (water, Gatorade, lemonade) will be provided but parents can pack their children’s lunch if they prefer.

“We will have accommodations to store whatever they bring,” said Halifax County Sheriff Fred S. Clark. “Camp safety comes first and foremost in this program, therefore, campers that fail to adhere to the safety requirements will not be allowed to continue.”

Campers should wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes with athletic sneakers. Shorts are a considered a preferred option due to the anticipated warm temperatures. Most activities will be completed outside (weather permitting).

However, the daily camp activity schedule is subject to changes.

Two camp T-shirts will be provided the first day and is encouraged to be worn throughout the week. At the conclusion of the week on June 23, the camp will host a “Fun Day” at Staunton River State Park and a small graduation ceremony will be held that afternoon (at the Fire Training Grounds) to present campers with a certificate of completion.

Cake and refreshments will be provided. Parents are encouraged to attend this ceremony and see the accomplishments of their campers.

Campers will need to fill out a HCSO Public Safety Youth Camp application. Applications are available at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office located at 134 S. Main Street, Halifax, VA 24558 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and can also be accessed online at www.halifaxcountyva.gov.

This is a free camp.

The completed application, and waiver form must be sent to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, ATTN: Public Safety Youth Camp, P.O. Box 370, Halifax, VA 24558.

Completed applications can also be emailed to cshudson@co.halifax.va.us. The deadline for camp applications is June 12.

If anyone would like more information on the HCSO Public Safety Youth Camp, they may contact deputy Chris Hudson at 434-579-5338 or 434-476-3334.

“We are looking forward to spending a fun-filled, learning enriched week with our HCSO Public Safety Campers” Clark said.