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Respect for Law Camp teaches leadership

Campers learn how to operate as a team with Butler County agencies.

Participants in this year Respect for Law Camp got to see many activities simulating what law enforcement officers do in the line of duty and this included rappelling up and down the outside of a building at the Butler Tech facility on S.R. 4. Contributed Photo by Kasie Baltes

Kasie Baltes Participants in this year Respect for Law Camp got to see many activities simulating what law enforcement officers do in the line of duty and this included rappelling up and down the outside of a building at the Butler Tech facility on S.R. 4. Contributed Photo by Kasie Baltes

ENLARGE PHOTO

Photos: Respect for Law Camp

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By Kasie Baltes, Contributing Writer Updated 6:01 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009

The 15th annual Respect for Law Camp began its march Friday, June 26, at Butler Tech welcoming 112 campers to an intense weekend filled with fun, discipline and a focus on law enforcement. This year’s camp featured hands-on programs which enabled these 11- to 14-year-olds to meet and work with many of Butler County’s agencies.

Campers were separated into eight platoons who would work together on a strict schedule and learn how to progress as a team. Throughout the weekend, campers were introduced to different events such as rappelling with members of the Hamilton Fire Department and aviation demonstrations with helicopter pilots from the Butler County’s Sheriff’s Office.

Camp Director Candace Keller said this camp impacts every camper and, hopefully, they will remember their experiences in the future.

“I want this to be a unique event in their lives that they will take with them,” Keller said.

Each leader explained how this camp is all about the kids, and they return every year in hopes of spreading respect, kindness, leadership and spirit.

Camp Commander Kevin Harrington said that even with discipline, these kids have fun.

Even though this camp is designated for ages 11 to 14, campers return year after year to help out and volunteer their time to this camp.

Adam Demarco and Mike Moran returned once again this year after being a part of one of the first camps 12 years ago.

Joshua Askew, a second-year camper returned once again because he wants to be a cop when he grows up.

“I can’t change the world, but I can be a cop to help,” Askew said.

Throughout this weekend of structure and discipline, leaders said they can see a drastic change in campers, where they were more confident and grew stronger as teams.

These intense events and fun-filled exercises led up to a graduation ceremony June 28 at Hall Auditorium on Miami University’s campus.

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