Substance abuse is a serious problem among American teens, but the Shelby County District Attorney, Shelby County Manager and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office are fighting back with a unique program called COMPACT.
At COMPACT, law enforcement officers work closely with youth and their families to promote happy, healthy teen lifestyles. They provide information, resources and even professional interventions as needed.
This effort to help teens follow a healthy path continues in the summer when COMPACT hosts Camp Journey – a free, 4-day summer camp for rising 6th graders held at various locations.
This year, COMPACT will host camps with Vestavia City Schools, Alabaster City Schools, Pelham City Schools and the Shelby County Schools in Chelsea, Helena and Oak Mountain.
Camp Journey helps kids learn leadership skills and build values like character, courage, discipline and teamwork through structured interactive challenges.
The students learn more about the issues they will face during adolescence, such as bullying and social media, and enjoy engaging, real-world guest speakers.
They participate in an exciting, fully immersive Junior Police & Sheriff’s Academy, allowing them to experience first-hand what law enforcement officers do and build meaningful connections with officers.
The students at Camp Journey also have fun, make new friends and gain the tools they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence and to make a successful leap into middle school.
Camp Journey is staffed by COMPACT team members, SROs and other law enforcement officers. Some of the many topics covered will be vape education, gun safety, team building, bullying, social media dangers and 911 information. Students also meet and connect with middle school administrators.
Camp Journey will be held daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:
- June 8-11, Helena
- June 15-18, Vestavia
- June 22-25, Alabaster
- June 29-July 2, Oak Mountain
- July 6-9, Chelsea
- July 13-16, Pelham
To be eligible, a student must be entering sixth grade and either live in or be zoned for schools that have agencies that participate in COMPACT. Currently, these are: Alabaster, Chelsea, Helena, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Vestavia Hills or Vincent. We also welcome homeschooled students who reside in these areas. All students must have transportation to and from camp each day.
Applications open on March 1, and the deadline is May 1 or when the camp is full.
For more about Camp Journey – including eligibility requirements – parents and students can ask the SRO at their school or call the COMPACT Community Resource Coordinator at 205-605-1829.
If you would like to apply for your child to attend Camp Journey, go to www.compact2020.com/camp-journey.
For more about COMPACT, go to www.compact2020.com.
