Sheriff’s office sponsors youth summer camps

The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office started off the summer with a goal of reaching and making a difference in the lives of the youth in our parish.  

This was accomplished through a total of four camps sponsored by Sheriff Lee Harrell and directed by Investigator Wanda Vallery and DARE Deputy Chris Crawford.  

These camps started off the last week of May with the first, Advance CSI Youth Cadet Academy with returning CSI Youth Cadets from last year. These students learned a deeper understanding of DNA, detailed investigation and toured the new Forensics Lab at Delta Community College in Monroe. 

The second camp introduced 15 new students for the second CSI Youth Cadet Academy. During this academy students were introduced to the workings of criminal investigation through many hands on experiences such as, fingerprinting, evidence collection, photography and casting.  These students also enjoyed a trip to the LSP Crime Lab and LSU Faces Lab in Baton Rouge where they enjoyed learning about ballistics, drug classification, facial reconstruction and bone identification.

Campers ended the week-long academy in the Richland Parish 5th District courtroom with a mock criminal trial. This provided the students with a working knowledge of defending and prosecuting a case as well as the workings of the court system.   

The camps ended June with 23 students for the third annual Youth Mentor Camp. This was comprised of students ranging from 7-11 years of age.  This fun and, well energized, group of kids had a blast with numerous activities, lessons, and speakers.  They were taught about being positive, making right choices, safety (at home, school, and internet) and teamwork. 

They were inspired by an array of speakers from our communities like, Shade Tree Missions, Wildlife and Fisheries and local VFW and American Legion who challenged them to prepare and better themselves everyday as they go through life.  These students also enjoyed their time walking through the tails at Poverty Point State Park, shooting BB guns, and archery.  

The week came to a close with a special graduation ceremony to honor these kids and their achievements through the week in front of family and friends.

Our summer camps finished up with our last Mentor Camp in July with 18 students ages 12-16 years of age. During this week long camp, students enjoyed an array of activities and learning that surrounded areas of leadership, team building, and making right decisions. These students were mentored and taught by various people from our community and surrounding areas. People like, two time Olympic medalist, Hollis Conway, the Louisiana National Guard, and a host of others in our community.  This group of students experienced a trip to the World Heritage Site at Poverty Point, where they learned the importance of communities working together to accomplish great things.

The week ended with and observation of the program by Limestone County, Alabama, Sheriff Mike Blakely. Blakely spoke with camp directors, staff and students to gain a better understanding of the success of the program with plans to implement a similar program in Limestone County.  Blakely also observed students driving a golf cart through an obstacle course wearing special goggles which simulate the effects of intoxication.  After completing the obstacle course and lecture, they had a great understanding of the results and consequences of driving impaired or distracted.  

Sheriff Lee Harrell would like to say thank you to the camps’ supporters, community, parents and volunteers for taking an interest to make a difference in the lives of the children in Richland Parish.