Photo by Nancy Royden. Javier Rivera, 11, a student at Robert Goddard Montessori School in Seabrook, learns last week how to use a fire extinguisher during the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff’s Summer Youth Day Camp. The campers and adults visited the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute in College Park to learn from the firefighters. With him is Gene Davis, an instructor at MFRI.

Published on: Wednesday, July 15, 2009

By Nancy Royden

Instead of having memories of playing video games all summer long, some children in Prince George’s County will remember visiting a fire academy, going roller skating and making new friends, thanks to a camp sponsored by the local sheriff’s office.

The Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff sponsored a day camp July 6 to 10 and Jessica Lindsay, 13, soon-to-be a new student at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, was one of approximately 45 campers.

For Lindsay, the camp provided her with several opportunities for summer fun. This was the first year she attended the camp.

“I don’t like being at home. It gives me a chance to be outside and occupied. I don’t want to do the same things at home every day,” she said. “I enjoyed everything.”

Camp coordinator Cpl. Yadira Coward said the campers were exposed to a wide variety of subjects during their time together.

Some of the topics included Internet safety, bullying, firefighting, law enforcement demonstrations and the prevention of driving while drunk. Additionally, Sheriff Michael A. Jackson spoke with the campers.

“Approximately 45 kids came to camp at no charge. The kids asked to stay another week,” she said.

However, Coward said the camp could only be held for one week, but it was a week when parents would know their older children were safe and not getting into trouble.

“A church donated $2,000 last year, but was unable to do that this year,” she said.

Coward said many parents work outside their homes during the day, from approximately 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and may think their children are safe at home alone.

“They’re still at risk,” she said.

Coward said the campers were given two T-shirts bought with money donated by the Prince George’s County Maryland Deputy Sheriffs’ Association/Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 112.

Kayla Baber, 13, said she liked the variety the camp provided her and other campers. She will be a student at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale in a few weeks.

“I like that there are a lot of activities and people. I liked the skating. I would come back,” she said.

Ndia Via, 9, a student at Grace Brethren Christian School in Clinton, said she loves to go on field trips.

“We go on field trips every day. We went to the park police in Glenn Dale,” she said.

Her 10-year-old sister, London, also a student at GBCS, said she liked the field trips and traversing an obstacle course at Camp Schmidt in Brandywine, formally known as the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center.

“I liked Camp Schmidt the best. We did an obstacle course where you go through ropes,” she said. “I like all the counselors, plus, my dad is one.”

Ten-year-old Deja Burdette, a student at Rose Valley Elementary School in Fort Washington, said she liked the daily field trips and the fact the camp is provided at no charge.

“My favorite thing was when we went roller skating on Monday,” she said.

The camp also made the summer better for James Price, 15, a student at Foundation Intermediate School in Largo.

“I like that we meet new people, go on trips and interact with others. Plus, we’re having fun,” he said.