More than two dozen kids from St. Lawrence County are attending the New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute's Summer Camp.

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Kevin Wells says that this is the 35th year that local kids are participating.

The Sheriffs' Summer Camp, near Penn Yan in Yates County, is supported by Sheriffs' Association's Honorary Members through their contributions and annual dues. This year the camp will accommodate over 900 boys and girls from across New York State.

The camp program is designed to provide a solid recreational program combined with the development of a sense of good citizenship.

The program is aimed at “a child who ordinarily would not have the chance, an opportunity to go away during the summer,” Sheriff Wells said.

“The primary objective is to create a positive interaction between the kids attending camp and the sheriffs and deputy sheriffs who participate in the camp programs. We have found from experience during the first 34 summer camps that the kids develop a renewed respect and understanding for the men and women who enforce our laws. The deputies become their friends and in some cases substitute parents for a week,” said Wells.

During the week-long stay, campers will see presentations on D.A.R.E., boat and bike safety, law enforcement equipment and technical demonstrations, and participate in archery competitions and even a talent show.

At the end of their stay, all children are awarded a diploma for their participation in a program of “Good Citizenship and Law Enforcement Studies.”