Camp Mack Hosts Sheriff's Camp

MILFORD - The 20th annual Indiana Sheriff's Career Camp Northern Session took place Monday through Wednesday at Camp Mack on Waubee Lake at Milford.

The three-day camp was packed with information and demonstrations for eighth-grade graduate boys and girls interested in law enforcement.

Although in its 20th year, this is the first time the camp has held a session outside Johnson County. Henceforth, the Sheriff's Association plans to conduct two camps per year - one in the northern half of the state and one in southern Indiana.

"We are very fortunate and very honored to host this camp," said Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine. He added that the Sheriff's Association will likely choose the same location for next year's camp and, if they do, more preparation time will be afforded the camp. This year's notification came somewhat late for much promotion, Rovenstine said.

The first northern session included 48 teens from throughout upper Indiana.

Campers spent the three days in regimented instruction and enjoyed demonstrations from various aspects of law enforcement.

Among the information disseminated was a discussion of squad car operations and equipment, workings of the dive team, swimming and personal watercraft instruction and a gang talk. K-9 and bomb demonstrations were also given.

Presentations were offered by NIPSCO and REMC, Department of Natural Resources, Federal Bureau of Investigations, SWAT, Warsaw Fire Department, emergency medical services and DARE. Additionally, Milford Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service took part in a mock traffic accident Monday at the camp.

Campers also enjoyed competitions such as a balloon toss and tug of war, were instructed in personal hygiene and physical training, and had a cook-out and a dance.

"The kids found the demonstrations very enjoyable," said Deputy Tim Sammons, Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department DARE officer. "They were really impressed by the Samaritan helicopter and the bomb demonstration ... and we had an FBI agent that did a hostage negotiation and they liked that."

Sammons said the feedback he offered was just from his squad, but he believes all the teens had a good time at the camp.

The camp concluded Wednesday evening with a banquet and awards ceremony.

In addition to campers, 30 to 40 deputies from throughout northern Indiana volunteered to serve as counselors.

"This was a good way to bring young people and police officers together in a positive setting," Sammons said. "We weren't in uniform and the kids got to see us as ordinary individuals, just like moms and dads."

He added: "Our main job is to serve and protect, but we enjoy doing these things, too."

Along with Sammons, deputies Travis Marsh and Don Wiesehan were counselors representing the KCSD.

The southern session of the camp started today and runs through Saturday at the FFA Center in Trafalgar.