Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
“Encouragement” has been the word of the week at the Jefferson County Teen Center Summer Youth Camp. For around 45 local youth participating in the camp since June 6, last week's focus gave them the opportunity to meet each day with Cpl. Maurice Arnold and Deputy Brandon Krajewski, who are School Resource Officers with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Daily sessions have been aimed at raising the campers' awareness of safety issues and encouraging them to make informed choices. Topics, handled in age-appropriate groupings, have included discussion of gangs, first aid, suicide prevention, drug awareness, driver safety and tobacco. In addition to the officers, guest speakers have included medical professionals.
Camp Director Dean Thomas points out that the summer camp will be wrapping up this week. Each week there have been daily trips to the Jefferson Recreation Park, informational sessions, arts and crafts, outdoor playtime and nutritious meals. Words of the week have provided focus for the activities: Week 1 Discipline, Week 2 Peace, Week 3 Love, Week 4 Joy and Week 5 Encouragement. Campers have also enjoyed field trips to a bowling alley, a skating rink and the IMAX theater.
In addition to serving the campers, the Teen Center is a designated “Break Spot,” where anyone under 18 years of age can come get a hot meal.
During the week of July 18, the summer camp will be winding down and at the same time going out with a big splash.