Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz says after careful consideration, they have cancelled this summer’s DARE camp for kids.
The Plymouth County Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education camp hosts more than 500 kids from 20 South Shore Towns each year. The week-long camp is held at Whitman-Hanson High School.
“The decision to cancel this year’s program did not come lightly and there were several factors that led up to this unfortunate cancellation,” said Cruz. “These trying times cast doubt on whether we would adequately be able to keep children and police officers safe, and I felt it would be ill-advised for us to proceed forward.”
From K-9 demonstrations, helicopter fly-overs, and competitive events, the camp combines life lessons and great entertainment. Cruz said that foam day is one of his favorite events at the camp.
For many kids who may not get a chance to go to a summer camp, it’s a free experience for 5th and 6th graders around the South Shore.
“The DARE camp is to teach kids a little bit about being safe, now more than ever. Trying to develop things in a team sort of fashion so that the kids can put themselves in a position to help each other, and help themselves from the challenges they face,” said Cruz. “Whether it be challenges on the internet, drug challenges, or tobacco challenges. Kids nowadays have a lot of issues and we need to help them at the earliest age that we can.”
The camp celebrated its 25th year last year and is sponsored by Cruz, Sheriff Joe McDonald, the Plymouth County Chiefs, and School Resource Officers.
Cruz says the camp will be back better than ever in summer 2021.
“I always look forward to this week of summer, but I have put much thought into this decision and believe that this is best during these trying times,” said Cruz. “I look forward to the 2021 summer and fully intend to resume the program next year.”
Photo Credit: Lenny Rowe
