Shining Star camp kicks off June 12-14 at Magnolia School

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FOLEY, Alabama -- There are still plenty of slots available for the 2019 Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camps, which kicked off June 12-14 at Magnolia School.

Three additional camps are scheduled, July 10-12 at Rockwell Elementary; July 17-19 at Fairhope Intermediate; and July 24-26 at Central Baldwin Middle School. An end of the year celebration will be held Saturday, July 27 at CBMS, which will be a combination of the four camps.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camp is a program established to promote positive interaction between the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and children between the ages of 8 and 13.

The purpose of the program is to build life skills, instill confidence and develop self esteem. The curriculum includes a wide range of activities that will incorporate team work, physical fitness and general Sheriff’s Office information.

This program is a cooperative effort by several public safety and public service agencies throughout Baldwin County, which provide knowledge in a safe and fun environment.

“This is the prime opportunity for our youth to learn from our law enforcement in an up close and personal atmosphere while having fun,” said Cpl. Jeff Spaller, senior resource unit supervisor for the BCSO, who coordinated this year’s camp with BCSO Sgt. Jacob Hill. “Over the last 11 years we have had over 3,000 kids come to our youth camps. Find a one time or repeat camper and ask about our camp. It doesn’t take long to see the smile come across their face with an eagerness to share an experience of something they learned.”

Camp space is limited and spots always fill up quickly, Spaller said.

Camp applications can be picked up at any of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office locations and can also be printed to be filled out from the BCSO website: http://sheriff.baldwincountyal.gov/community-programs-details/shining-star-details.

For further information please contact Tracey Jones at (251) 972-6890.

This year’s camp at Magnolia School included visits from MedStar Air Care 1 and MedStar Ambulance, the Foley Fire Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Evidence Response Team and bomb squad, Emergency Management Agency/9-1-1, EMC’s Livewire on Wheels and Klaas Kids Search and Rescue.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department also presented a K-9 demonstration, internet safety/cyberbullying, firearms safety, a presentation by the BCSO chaplains, a taser demonstration from the Department of Corrections, and an alcohol awareness demonstration.

The camp also featured outings to the Hot Wheels Skating Rink in Daphne on Thursday and Alligator Alley in Summerdale on Friday.

The Camp staff is comprised of volunteers of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement and public safety participating agencies. The camp fee is $30 and includes camp shirts and activities.

The only thing the camper is required to bring is a brown bag lunch for them each day with exception of the family fun day that will be held at the last camp at the Central Baldwin Middle School location.

Each camper from all the camps and their families are invited for a free lunch and to enjoy the celebration event and activities highlighting your Sheriff’s Office on that day.