Trifles and thingamajigs could help provide a summer camp for troubled Scotland County youth.
The Scotland County Sheriff’s Office will hold a yard sale Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of Kimbrell’s on Church Street.
Proceeds from the sale will support the sheriff’s annual youth Gang Resistance Education and Training summer camp, a 13-week program for middle school students targeted as at-risk for gang involvement, since 2007. There is also a five-week program for fifth grade students.
“Some of the kids are basically troubled kids that have problems with others and we try to instill in them values and morals and help them get back on track,” said Capt. James Pegues of the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office. “We teach them problem-solving, coping skills, what to do when you get in situations as far as anger management skills, and scenarios about bullying and gangs.”
Some 50 students are involved with the program each year, with sessions led by sheriff’s officers held at the middle and elementary schools. Students are recommended by teachers and school resource officers for involvement in the GREAT program.
Proceeds from this weekend’s yard sale will help support the program’s weeklong summer component, known as GREAT Camp, which is provided completely free of charge to students and their families
Camp includes a community service day, when groups of students will pick up trash around the county to work with local nonprofits such as Church Community Services or Habitat for Humanity.
Other activities have included trips to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville and Fayetteville State University.
“We try to help them build some skills and see what the future can be,” said Pegues. “Along with that they also have activities like ice skating or horseback riding - things that they probably would never get a chance to do if we didn’t take them there.”
The proceeds will provide food for GREAT Camp students and cover activity fees.
Monetary donations and donations of items for the sale may be made at the sheriff’s office or prior to 6 a.m. on Saturday.
We need more of our community to support our youth in these trying days and times. I believe all kids are good kids. We all can step up to the plate and give good advice, and be a positive influence in their life. They don't have to be your kids for you (community) to show them how to live a positive crime free life...