Sheriffs are searching for dozens of 2020 Student Advisors For Educating Tomorrow’s Youth (S.A.F.E.T.Y) Leaders for their Youth Ranch now under development for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime.
Middle school and high school students who have attended other public safety camps across the state will be asked to give guidance on proposed facilities, programs and policies of the new Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch being developed in rural Clay County between Greencastle and Terre Haute, said Grant County Sheriff Reggie Nevels, who serves as secretary for the Youth Ranch.
Nevels said the Youth Ranch will provide teens and parents nearby hotel lodging for their weekend meetings throughout the summer and fall. At each session, S.A.F.E.T.Y. Leaders will review drawings and layouts of cabins, a peace chapel, dining hall, horse stable, first aid station, computer-crime lab and locker rooms.
Student advisors will also give their opinions on proposed recreation areas, including a zipline, swimming pool, confidence course, archery range, baseball and soccer fields, basketball court, sand volleyball, docks for canoeing, kayaking and fishing, Nevels said.
While at the ISYR property for the advisory sessions, S.A.F.E.T.Y. Leaders will also be invited to voluntarily participate in K-9, drone and safe-ATV training, Nevels said.
“Because we now own rather than of rent our venue, we plan to host our annual academies up to seven full weeks each summer,” ISYR Executive Director Scott Minier said. “This will afford sheriffs and deputies the opportunity to greatly enhance the safety curriculum. So, before our board of sheriffs takes final votes on facilities, programs and policies, we want to hear from youth alumni of local law enforcement camps, as well as deputies who serve as counselors each year.”
Minier said for more information on the S.A.F.E.T.Y. Leader program, the Youth Ranch or to donate, call toll-free 833-IN-RANCH or write to Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, Ind., 47834.
