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ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Spaces are filling up for the next session of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office’s Shining Star Camp in July but openings are still available for the final camp in August.

The Central Baldwin Camp, the second installment of this summer’s camp sessions, will take place July 13-16 at Central Baldwin Middle School in Robertsdale. The Eastern Shore Camp — the final session of the summer — is scheduled Aug. 3-6 at Fairhope Intermediate School.

The program was launched in 2009 to give area children ages 8 to 13 the chance to learn about the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and public safety in general, as well as to have positive interactions with law enforcement, according to officials.

“Sheriff (Huey “Hoss”) Mack thought it appropriate that we start reaching out to the community, to some of these kids, in a positive manner, not when something’s wrong or someone’s in trouble,” said Maj. Anthony Lowery, Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

Overall, the program has been well-received by the public, according to Lowery. He credits the various agencies such as Alabama Marine Police, Alabama Department of Public Safety, Bay Minette Fire Department and private vendors with aiding in that success.

“It’s had some really good side effects,” Lowery said of the program. “We’ve had children that have gone through the program and their interest in law enforcement has grown tremendously,” he said.

Law enforcement officers also benefit from the interaction. “You can really see a difference in them,” Lowery said.

Successful program takes root in other parts of Baldwin County

The program has been so successful that Foley started a similar program this year modeled after the sheriff’s program, he said.

About 97 children took part in the North Baldwin Camp last week June 1-4 at Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette. National Football League player Wallace Gilberry spoke to the children at the Bay Minette camp about good decision-making.

“I think the campers enjoyed it,” said Deputy Jeff Spaller, school resource office for the Sheriff’s Office. Guest speakers for the remaining camps have not been scheduled yet, he said.

Spaller called the camps a blessing. He said the program has grown from one session at Baldwin County High School with 60 children in 2009. Last year, the response required the addition of a second camp in central Baldwin County. This year, the camp added a third session along the Eastern Shore.

“Every year this camp has progressed. It’s gotten better and better,” Spaller said.

Additions to the camp itinerary include presentations by the U.S. Coast Guard, the sheriff’s mounted posse and a criminal investigator who talks about crime scene investigations, Spaller said. In addition, a representative from the U.S. Attorney General’s Office discusses Internet and cell phone safety, he said.

“What we’re trying to do is to create a fun learning environment for the families and the children of our community and law enforcement,” Spaller said.

The camps are open to the first 100 applicants. For more information or to register for the remaining camps, call Spaller at 251-802-1115 or Tammy Rider at 251-580-1677.

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