SEDGWICK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LAW CAMP

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Law Camp, begun in 1994, has established itself as one of the most successful young people related programs initiated in the area. The Crime Commission along with the Kansas National Guard, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Kansas Fish and Game and a number of other organizations and agencies partner with the Sedgwick County Sheriff in support of the annual event. Each year, 150 mostly at risk young people between the ages of 11 and 15, spend four days camping in Army tents at Lake Afton. The kids are divided into squads with two Sheriff’s deputies assignedas squad leaders. The campers participate in a variety of outdoor events including swimming, boating, hiking, wall climbing and fishing. Each evening the youngsters, most of who have never camped out, gather around a bonfire and hear messages about how to avoid gangs, how drugs destroy lives and much more. Bonding between the young campers and their law enforcement mentors is a tremendous thing to observe.

Thanks to the generous support of Koch Industries, Tom Devlin and several other Crime Commission members, embroidered T-Shirts and hats are provided for the staff and campers. The kids are permitted to keep their shirts and hat and are encouraged to wear them in their neighborhoods. Law Camp committee chair Bill Ard spearheaded a drive to solicit financial contributions from members which has allowed us to purchase a considerable amount of equipment required to operate the camp each year. The 2008 Law Camp included the dedication of a flag pole and a granite monument with the camp’s annual sponsors. It was the first permanent structure added to the camp area.

Law Camp (Leaders – Achievers – Winners) is a model program being emulated by a number of law enforcement agencies around the country.

To learn more about Law Camp, visit the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s web page at