It’s the 30th anniversary of Caddo Sheriff’s Camp, and 67 Caddo Parish boys are joining in the celebration this week at the Kinsey Scout Reservation, said Sheriff Steve Prator.
Campers ages 9-12 arrived at the 1600-acre Scout Reservation on Sunday and will stay until Wednesday. Over the next few days, they will participate in a Boy Scout-style wilderness experience that includes camping, fishing, swimming, rock climbing, archery, target shooting, and team sports.
Thousands of boys have attended Caddo Sheriff’s Camp since it was started by Sheriff Don Hathaway in 1989. Sheriff Prator, who is an Eagle Scout, continued the camp when he became sheriff in 2000. Many of the campers have gone on to become Boy Scouts, according to the Boy Scouts - Norwela Council, which partners with the Sheriff’s Office to organize the camp.
Caddo Sheriff’s Camp is free to those attending and is funded through private donations raised by the Sheriff. BSA provides food, tent lodging, activities, and staff. Caddo deputies also serve as mentors at the scout ranch.
“It’s a great way to introduce the campers to scouting and the importance of being leaders in their schools and community,” Prator said. “From the law enforcement side, we are building trust and establishing a positive relationship between the boys and the Sheriff’s Office.”
Prator added that community support though donations is what keeps the camp going year after year. “We absolutely could not do this without the support of our community partners and those who generously donate each year,” he said.
Prator will host Sheriff’s Camp Media Day at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, at the Scout Reservation. Activities will include:
• Remarks from Sheriff Prator
• Interview opportunities with the campers
• Demos by CPSO K-9, SRT, Life Air Rescue, and CPSO Community Programs
Media representatives can catch campers involved in various camping activities before and after lunch. Media is welcome to visit camp at any time to cover this story, but Sheriff Prator and camp organizers will be available only on Media Day. If you plan to visit at a time other than the designated day, please contact Cindy Chadwick at 422-4101 in advance.
Directions
Address: 3492 US-171, Stonewall, LA
From Shreveport:
Take LA 3132 to I-49, go south on I-49 for about 8 miles, turn right at the Stonewall exit, on to LA 3276, go 4 miles to US Hwy 171 intersection. Turn left (south) on US Hwy 171 and go 6 miles, and look for the Kinsey Scout Reservation sign on the right.
