Jones County sheriff’s camp connects kids with deputies through hands-on learning

The annual camp gives kids hands-on lessons in forensics, safety and the work deputies do in the community.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Kids in Jones County are getting a hands on look at law enforcement this week from forensic techniques to K-9 demonstrations.

The summer camp, run by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office and the Jones County Law Enforcement Foundation, has been connecting young people with deputies since 2017.

Throughout the week, campers rotate through activities like fingerprinting, drone demonstrations, and driving courses designed to show the dangers of impairment.

Captain Travis Douglas says the camp is about more than just the activities. It is about building relationships with the community at a young age.

“So they’re getting a little taste of law enforcement,” he said. “It helps us engage the younger community. We get to meet them, talk with them, see what’s going on in the schools and their communities and it’s really a good thing.”

He says those conversations give kids the chance to ask questions and better understand what law enforcement officers actually do.

“When we engage with the kids here at this camp, they’re able to ask us any kind of questions they want about law enforcement about what we do,” he said. “It’s not just about arresting people or investigating crimes. We’re in the community, and we’re here to provide educational programs.”

For some campers, the experience is already shaping future goals.

Emery McNeil says she hopes to one day work in law enforcement.

“I just really want to start helping people, because I want to make a change in the world,” she said.

Douglas says he hopes kids walk away knowing they can trust law enforcement and reach out if they ever need help.

“These younger kids will one day be the future of our country, so building a good relationship with them now that’s what matters,” he said.