Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D.

Wyoming Youth Attend Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D.

   123 5^th and 6^th graders from 13 Wyoming counties attended Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. (Peace Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams) hosted by Volunteers of America Wyoming & Montana on Casper Mountain from June 14-19. For six years this cooperative effort has provided an innovative program for Wyoming youth. Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. provides kids with direct involvement and mentoring with a variety of law enforcement and criminal justice professionals. 52 law enforcement professionals served as leaders and mentors for the program this year. Partners include the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs, Wyoming Peace Officers Association, and Wyoming National Guard Counterdrug Operation.

   There is no cost for the children to attend Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. The program is made possible through the generous donations of money, food and supplies from individuals, foundations, and companies from all over Wyoming. Major sponsors include the Daniels Fund, the McMurry Foundation, MDU Resources Foundation, the S.K. Johnston Family Fund and the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs. In addition, most of the staff are volunteers or are on loan from their local police department, sherrifs office or business for the week. Several previous campers returned as camp mentors and leaders in training. These youth bring a unique perspective to the program and prove to be wonderful role models for the children.

   This popular and successful program has proven to be an important opportunity to build strong relationships and valuable life skills that serve our campers, their families, and their communities. The primary goal of Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. is to establish positive bonds between the children and law enforcement and criminal justice professionals. Another important goal is to help empower children to take more control of and responsibility for their own decisions, actions, and ultimately their future.

The experience provides a safe environment that stresses appropriate role models, ideals and values. Campers are allowed and expected to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas and learn the importance of self-respect and respect for others, teamwork, self-control and dignity. Throughout the week, a variety of planned activities help children build self-esteem and leadership and decision-making skills. Camp participants also took part in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, police demonstrations, archery, team building activities, concerts, crafts, outdoor experiences and guest speakers.

Campers had the opportunity to listen to the Wyoming National Guard Adjutant General Edward L. Wright, see and explore a Blackhawk and a Kiowa helicopter as well as meet and speak with State Command Sergeant Major Dennis Russell and Command Chief Master Sergeant Doug Hensala. “Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. is one of the best programs in Wyoming. The program has a tremendous impact on our youth and the Wyoming National Guard is proud to support the program.”, stated General Wright.

Volunteers of America Wyoming & Montana’s Executive Vice President of Operations, Heath Steel, who has been intimately involved in the program since its inception in 2004, commented, “The Camp experience continues to benefit our youth in Wyoming and for many of our campers this is the first time they have experienced these kinds of activities that many of us take for granted. The dedicated staff and volunteers, many who return year after year, focus on helping the children be successful. Through this safe and positive environment, memories are created that last a lifetime.”

Local law enforcement officers, school resource officers, school personnel and community members identify children who would benefit from the camp experience. The overall program is designed to coordinate and share information with the schools and community-based services that children will use when they finish camp.