Guard Flies Into Police Summer Camp For Kids
Story & photos by SPC Charles Ames
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Late in July, in the foothills of Mt. Rainier, just outside of the old mill town of Wilkeson at Sunset Lake, 85 youths have been gathered from local 'at-risk homes'. These kids are unable to attend an expensive summer camp, so volunteers from local law enforcement agencies have stepped in to help. The "Law Enforcement Youth Camp" is provided for children from low income families, often with only a single parent. "We get most of our referrals through the schools" says Officer Rob Morrison, of the Tacoma Police Department. "This is a week of summer camp for kids who don’t normally get to attend summer camp." As Officer Morrison speaks, lively children swarm around him and across the sunny campgrounds.
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Then a distant buzz hushes the children as they watched a tiny flying object approach, circle, and settle onto their timber-rimmed baseball diamond. The small clearing surrounded by 200' high treetops, becomes an ad hoc landing field for MAJ Jackie Reaves and his OH-58A "Kiowa" helicopter. The clearing seems only large enough to permit his aircraft and no other.
"The National Guard has been very helpful in presenting good role models to the kids and backing up the DARE message of ‘no drug usage’. The fly-ins have been a big hit with the kids. The pilots come in and talk with the kids about the importance of staying off of drugs. They hold their attention well. They really present themselves as good role models. They talk about how they wouldn’t be able to do the job they’re doing if they let drugs into their life."
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"We made over a hundred landings into youth settings last year." says MAJ Reaves as he ‘eyes the skies’ for possible weather changes, though the OH-58A is an amazingly stable helicopter in any weather. "This year, we have officers participating from Pierce County, Tacoma, Fircrest, Buckley, Dupont, Steilacoom, and Bonney Lake among others."
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Other camp activities include horseback-riding, swimming, crafts, powerboat rides, static displays of military and law enforcement equipment, classes, and discussions groups. The week-long "Law Enforcement Youth Camp" occurs once a year, and is staffed exclusively by volunteers. Questions about these camps, and other DARE activities may be directed to the Tacoma Police Department DARE Office at (253) 591-5917.
To find out more about this and other National Guard youth programs call the Drug Demand Reduction Program office at (253) 512-8008, or visit their website!
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