Camp Program Helps Kids Avoid Trouble

Nestled in the Malibu Hills, the Calamigos Ranch will be the site of a camp where volunteers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will teach children about potential dangers in the streets, continuing a year-round effort to promote healthy living and safety.

The Success Through Awareness and Resistance, or STAR program educates students about the pitfalls of gangs, drugs, tobacco and violence.

STAR has expanded its vision and teamed up with another prevention group, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, known as DARE, to teach children in grades three to five of the importance of making good life choices, said Sgt. Van Mosley.

The program, run by more than 40 deputies, serves about 350 schools throughout Los Angeles County.

“I think it’s an extremely worthwhile program,” Mosley said. “If we can cause one child to go the right path, then the whole program is worth it.”

The STAR unit hopes to continue its anti-drug and anti-gang message with its Summer 2000 program, where children from 9 to 14 will stage mock drunk driving accidents and criminal trials to show the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence. Judges and lawyers will volunteer at the mock trials.

The children also will participate in more traditional camp activities, such as hiking, swimming, soccer, volleyball, and arts and crafts. The program includes lectures and demonstrations from NASA, the FBI, the Air Force and Navy, and trips to the Moorpark Junior College Exotic Zoo and martial arts classes. Law enforcement exhibits are planned.

STAR Camp 2000 offers three sessions (July 17 to 21, July 24 to 28, and July 31 to August 4) that run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Similar camps also will be offered in Santa Clarita and La Puente. Camp fees are $135 a session per camper. For information, call Deputy Bob Amstutz at (562) 946-7995, Ext.3022, or Deputy Andy Zahorecz, Ext. 3013.