Tuesday, May 3, 2016

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Now Accepting Applications for CAMP D.A.R.E.: (Drug Abuse Resistance Education in America)

Now, more than ever, it is important to educate children about the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, and violence. To assist parents and teachers in this effort, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is once again offering CAMP D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) a FREE week-long workshop for upcoming 5th and 6th-grade students. Through its curriculum, and the efforts of its trained counselors, CAMP D.A.R.E. provides impressionable youth with the tools they will need to make good decisions, as they transition from tweens to teenagers.

The counselors at CAMP D.A.R.E. have structured a fun environment that encourages participation by all students. Activities include arts and crafts, recreational competitions, and public-safety related events. Students are engaged at the same time as they are provided useful information about how to resist drugs and alcohol, and how to deal with threats of violence. 

CAMP D.A.R.E. is made possible by financial and other charitable contributions, and follows the D.A.R.E. America Elementary curriculum. Certified D.A.R.E. Instructors will teach two D.A.R.E. lessons each day. Camp counselors include members of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, as well as students from the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center for Criminal Justice. 

“CAMP D.A.R.E. is a great experience for students, and a fantastic opportunity for students and counselors, alike,” says Cpl. Angela Delozier, of the Sheriff's Office. Cpl. Delozier is the D.A.R.E. Camp Coordinator and has been a Certified Instructor for nine years. “In addition to fun activities,” she explains, “we provide children with the tools they will need to make responsible decisions in their lives, and the counselors are excited about what they are able to accomplish in just one short week.” 

Registration is Now Open

Register your child NOW for the sixth annual St. Mary’s County CAMP D.A.R.E. program, hosted by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with St. Mary’s County Public Schools. CAMP D.A.R.E. is a FREE four-day camp for upcoming 5th and 6th-grade students. The camp will take place between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., from July 11-14, 2016, at Leonardtown High School. Morning snacks, plus lunch, will be provided each day.

Space is limited to 100 student participants, on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must be residents of St. Mary’s County. Transportation to and from the camp each day is the responsibility of each parent/guardian. Students must be signed in and out each day by an adult. Proper identification will be required.

Medical staff will be present during CAMP D.A.R.E. to handle any emergencies that may arise. They will be able to dispense regularly prescribed medication, supplied by the parent/guardian.

To secure a spot at CAMP D.A.R.E., visit www.firstsheriff.com for an application. Applications can be mailed, faxed, or emailed, to the following address and postmarked by July 1, 2016:


St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
Attention: Cpl. Angela M. Delozier
23150 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, Maryland 20650

For more information about CAMP D.A.R.E., contact Corporal Angela Delozier at Angela.Delozier@stmarysmd.com or call 301-475-4200, ext. 9094.