Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Inc

Camping ProgramsCamping Services consists of three residential camp programs and a mobile day camp program. While still operating under significant staff shortages, all three summer camp locations were open and providing services. The camping programs provided residential camp experiences to 1,423 youth, mobile day camp services to 1,301 youth, and other school year and leadership services to 523 youth. The residential camp programs are: Youth Camp in Pierson, FL, Caruth Camp in Inglis, FL, and Camp Sorensen in Hilliard, FL. Each residential camp provides a traditional summer camp experience free of charge to girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 15 who otherwise may never attend camp. Activities offered include arts and crafts, archery, swimming, canoeing, environmental education, challenge course, high ropes, group building, and team sports. The theme of summer camp is "Law Officers are Your Friends", and each group is assigned a Deputy Sheriff who participates in activities with the campers, giving them an opportunity to have a fun and positive experience with law enforcement. Camping Services also provides a mobile camp program known as Harmony in the Streets, which operates day camp sessions in various community centers, schools, and low-income housing areas for up to 60 youth between the ages of 6 and 12. This program brings the camp experience to the campers in their community and offers arts and crafts, team sports, challenge course, group building, archery, environmental education, and water games and includes participation from the local Sheriff's Office. During the school year, both camps offer leadership and team building retreats to community groups.

Community Based CounselingThe agency provides four Family Case Managers who answer inquiry calls and requests for service from the Organization's residential programs. The agency provided these services to 256 families. When parents call, they are often frustrated and seeking help dealing with their child's behavior issues. Family Case Managers listen to the parents, provide counseling, and offer the appropriate assistance. When a youth's problems are too severe for the Organization's voluntary program, the parents are offered referrals to other programs and community resources. When the youth is a good candidate for the program, the Family Case Managers assist the parents with the application and interview process until the youth can be placed. When youth are in residential placement, the Organization's Therapists and Unit Directors offer monthly family supportive counseling as the youth works on his or her goals. When youth are discharged from the program, the Family Case Manager can provide aftercare at the family's request.