ROBERTSDALE, Alabama -- There are still plenty of slots available for the 2017 Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camps, which will begin in June.

Four camps will be held throughout Baldwin County over the summer, including two new venues, June 14-16 at Magnolia School on County Road 55 west of Foley, and July 12-14 at Rockwell Elementary on U.S. 31 in Spanish Fort.

Two additional camps are scheduled, June 28-30 at Fairhope Intermediate School, located off of Fairhope Avenue on Bishop Road; and the final camp Aug. 2-4 at Central Baldwin Middle School on Alabama 59 between Robertsdale and Loxley. A family fun day will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5 at CBMS, open to all campers who attended any of the camps combined.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camp is a program established to promote positive interaction between the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and children between the ages of 8 and 13.

The purpose of the program is to build life skills, instill confidence and develop self esteem. The curriculum includes a wide range of activities that will incorporate team work, physical fitness and general Sheriff’s Office information.

This program is a cooperative effort by several public safety and public service agencies throughout Baldwin County, which provide knowledge in a safe and fun environment.

Activities include drug awareness with K-9 demonstrations, crime scene investigations, boater’s safety with simulators, fire safety, physical health information, bowling, obstacle courses, guest speakers, a family fun day, and many other activities.

“This is the prime opportunity for our youth to learn from our law enforcement in an up close and personal atmosphere while having fun,” said Cpl. Jeff Spaller, senior resource officer for the BCSO, the camps’ director. “Over the last nine years we have had over 2,500 kids come to our youth camps. Find a one time or repeat camper and ask about our camp. It doesn’t take long to see the smile come across their face with an eagerness to share an experience of something they learned.”

The Camp staff is comprised of volunteers of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement and public safety participating agencies. The camp fee is $30 and includes camp shirts and activities.

The only thing the camper is required to bring is a brown bag lunch for them each day with exception of the family fun day that will be held at the last camp at the Central Baldwin Middle School location.

Each camper from all the camps and their families are invited for a free lunch and to enjoy the celebration event and activities highlighting your Sheriff’s Office on that day.

Camp space is limited and spots always fill up quickly, Spaller said.

Camp applications can be picked up at any of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office locations and can also be printed to be filled out from the BCSO website: http://sheriff.baldwincountyal.gov/community-programs-details/shining-star-details.

For further information please contact Tracey Jones at (251) 972-6890.