Seymour resident Shelby Holt recently attended the Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Camp July 9-11 at Camp Waycross near Morgantown in Brown County.

Also attending the camp from Jackson County were Colin Fischer and Zach Croqourt, who received a team building award.

Holt also received individual awards for Top Gun in firearm competition and received a sliver medal in the Emergency Vehicle Operation driving course and she also received the Female Camper Award for her outstanding conduct and participation throughout the camp.

The program is designed to achieve three basic objectives, according to a news release Jackson County Reserve Officer Scott Davis, who attended the camp.

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First, the sheriffs want to foster a stronger relationship between our state’s youth and the men and women who enforce the laws.

Second, the sheriffs want to give children, who ordinarily would not have the opportunity, a chance for a summer camp experience.

Third, to give youth a chance to build character and inspire leadership skills.

Team sports also are emphasized as a vehicle to reach comradeship and discipline.

Officers also conducted demonstrations on boat and water safety; the use of K-9s, defensive tactics and leadership skills.

As part of the program’s emphasis on youth development and good citizenship, guest lecturers provide  programs on how government works and why laws exist.

Other programs are geared toward teaching campers about drug and alcohol abuse.