Published: April 23, 2007 01:44 pm            

Calling all kids

Sheriff’s office accepting camp applications

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applicants for this summer’s Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranch in Gilbertsville.

The summer camp is offered to interested children free of charge. Boys can attend this year’s camp from June 3 through June 8 and girls can attend from July 8 through July 13, according to a sheriff’s department press release.

“It is an opportunity to give kids a positive view of police officers,” said Nelson O’Donnell, Madison County sheriff. “For kids that may otherwise not be able to afford a camp, it is an opportunity to get to go to camp somewhere.”

Transportation to and from the camp, which is about 20 miles east of Paducah, will be provided by the sheriff’s department, O’Donnell said. About 10 Madison County children already have signed up for this year’s camp, and those in attendance will meet and participate in activities with children from across the state, according to the release.

The 33-acre ranch is complete with four dormitories, a swimming pool, several athletic fields, a basketball court, gymnasium, miniature golf course and more. It is located in a wooded area near Kentucky Lake, according to the camp’s Web site.

“Fun and excitement await the campers and we hope to give each child a week of memories that will last a lifetime,” the release states. “Children will participate in many programs and activities, (including) arts and crafts, swimming, nature programs, sports, music, theater, etc., all designed to provide much fun and learning while at camp.”

Educational programs also are provided about drug and alcohol awareness, crime prevention and more, according to the Web site.

To his knowledge, O’Donnell said this is the first year the Madison County Sheriff’s Department has sponsored the camp by sending local children. The camping program is designed to build “self-esteem, moral character and teach them respect for themselves and others, as well as law enforcement professionals,” the release states.

Anyone interested in attending the camp should call the sheriff’s department at 623-1511 to receive an application for camp. Families also can learn more about the camp by visiting www.kysheriffsranch.com.

        

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