It was a successful year for the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Camp HERO kid’s camp.
After missing out in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, the camp came back in full strength, with kids participating in numerous events over the course of three days learning about different facets of everyday work for police officers and first responders.
The camp was held at the Blue Barn Berry Farm and Events Center near Dewart Lake in Syracuse.
Deputy Chief Shane Bucher said the camp attracted 109 kids this year, which was just a few more than they had in 2019. But having Camp HERO back this year made for a wonderful experience after missing last year.
“The kids have been having a blast. It also allows us to give back as a staff member, counselor, squad leader. We have law enforcement here, fire department, EMS, but we’re all wearing the same shirt this week. We’re all equals.”
The camp went from Tuesday through Thursday and kids had the chance to learn about various aspects from first responders from first aid, learning about K-9 duties, different situations for firefighters and SWAT members, firearm safety, and water safety.
On Thursday, a small course was also set up with golf carts in which kids would take turns driving on the course while wearing “drunk googles,” which impair the vision based on a certain blood alcohol content level.
JCAP graduate Derek Bruner also came out on Thursday and gave a testimonial to kids, sharing stories about what happened while he was incarcerated, what its like to be in jail, and some of the different activities that inmates were able to do with very limited supplies.
Kids graduated on Thursday with a celebration and heard from Sheriff Kyle Dukes.
