You may soon be receiving a mailing from me since the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute will begin its annual Honorary Membership drive in Delaware County within the next few days. Contributions to the Institute are tax deductible.

The flagship program of the Sheriffs’ Institute is the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for economically challenged children. The Sheriffs’ Camp, located on Keuka Lake is in its 38th year of operation. It hosts 840 children each summer. The camp program combines summer recreation with activities designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper counselor ratio allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem.

For more information about the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp and other Sheriffs’ Institute Programs, visit their website, www.sheriffsinstitute.org or simply google “Sheriffs’ Institute kids” and it will be your first option.

A few times in the past telemarketers have tried to use our positive public relations efforts for what I consider their illegal activities. We never have and never will use telemarketing to raise money. Our letters of invitation clearly state that. If you hear of some telemarketing going on that is trying to take advantage of our good faith effort, please let me know.

I am warmed by the joy this program brings. I appreciate the help our area schools give us in publicizing this event and signing up prospective campers. I have been told that all our allocated slots have been filled this year and some children have been placed on a waiting list. Sometimes other counties don’t use their full allotment and we are able to use them to send our children on the waiting list also.

Thank you for your participation. The camp experience has been a life-changing experience for
many and I have seen campers evolve into counselors.