Sheriff’s Office Builds Stronger Bonds with Youth Through Summer Camp and PAL Program

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is doubling down on its commitment to community and youth outreach this summer with two major programs designed to connect local law enforcement officers with area children in positive, lasting ways.

In a recent interview with Royal Examiner, Captain Frank Myrtle and Krista Beahm shared details about the department’s upcoming Youth Summer Camp, as well as a new, year-round mentoring initiative known as PAL — Police Athletic/Activities League.

Summer Camp Returns June 9–12

After a few years on pause, the popular Sheriff’s Youth Camp is back — though in a more compact form than past overnight versions. The four-day day camp runs from June 9 through June 12, operating from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Open to children ages 9 to 12, the camp is designed to build teamwork, leadership, and trust between law enforcement and young community members.

Each day begins at the Sheriff’s Office, and from there campers will head out for activities, including a trip to Andy Guest State Park for canoeing and time in nature. In addition to fun and games, the program includes a community service element, where campers will participate in a litter pickup project near Skyline and a non-perishable food drive benefiting a local nonprofit.

The camp is limited to 40 participants, and some spots are still available. There is a $35 fee per child, but thanks to generous local sponsors, most costs — including transportation, lunches, t-shirts, and supplies — are covered.

“What’s most important is giving these kids a chance to see our officers in a different light,” said Captain Myrtle. “We’ll be paddling canoes with them, playing games, and showing them that we’re here to serve and support, not just enforce.”

Each team of 10 campers will be paired with two officers throughout the week, creating small group settings where relationships can grow. The camp wraps up with an award ceremony for families to celebrate their children’s accomplishments.

PAL Program Offers Year-Round Connection

In addition to the summer camp, the Sheriff’s Office is launching a broader initiative called PAL — a program aimed at building ongoing relationships between officers and local students aged 5 to 18.

Krista Beahm, one of the program’s leaders, explained that PAL will include a mix of day events, week-long mini-camps, and educational or recreational sessions. Activities may range from help with homework and arts and crafts to sports like basketball and soccer or even flying kites and going on bike rides.

Unlike many youth programs that focus on a single activity, PAL is designed to offer a variety of experiences — from cooking to music to outdoor games — all aimed at encouraging positive interactions between kids and law enforcement.

“This is really about being present,” said Beahm. “We want to be there for all students — public school, private school, or homeschool — and show them that law enforcement is here to help, mentor, and care.”

PAL is open to all school-aged children in Warren County and will operate year-round, with more frequent events during the summer months. The program is currently forming a solid foundation with support from new board members. It will host a kickoff event later this summer to introduce the program to families and distribute information.

The department also works closely with schools and local media to spread the word. Materials are being distributed ahead of the summer break to make sure that educators, parents, and students know about the opportunity.

Community and Connection

Both programs highlight the Sheriff’s Office’s growing focus on community policing and youth engagement — a goal supported by Sheriff Crystal Cline. “Our kids are our future,” Beahm emphasized. “The more we invest in them now, the better our whole community will be.”

Captain Myrtle agreed, saying the programs are as valuable to officers as they are to the students. “In our usual roles, we often only interact with people during difficult situations,” he said. “These programs give us — and the kids — a chance to connect on a totally different level.”

Families interested in the Youth Summer Camp can visit the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or stop by the office to pick up an application. For updates on the PAL program, watch for future announcements and summer events.