| C.O.P.S. Kids Camp, Outward Bound and Retreats Blend Fun, Friendship and Healing |
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| Written by APB Staff |
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Leyla Scott is mountain climbing this summer in Colorado. Last year, it was white-water rafting. Before that, the 16-year-old daughter of fallen Clarksville, TN Police Officer David Scott, attended C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) Kids Summer Camp for four years. "Rafting in the rapids last year was so much fun. It's like being on a roller coaster," Leyla said of her first C.O.P.S. Outward Bound experience. "At night, we'd just chill and talk about the day and about our dads and our memories." Over the past five years, Leyla has made many friends. And while most live in different states, she said they stay in touch via MySpace, FaceBook, and of course, by phone. Many also get to catch up each May during National Police Week in Washington, D.C., when families of fallen officers attend the C.O.P.S. National Police Survivors' Conference. Leyla's mom, Trina, is going to Kids Camp again this year with her two younger daughters - Deidre, who is 12 years old, and Alethea, who is 10. Trina said every day at Kids Camp begins with an hour for small groups of parents and their children, led by a counselor. "There's no pressure. It's what's comfortable for the children. If they want to talk about their dads, that's great. It's socializing time - with Moms - and a time for remembering together." Counseling With a Light Touch After the morning session, it's off to play - for the kids and parents - everything from archery, fishing, rope climbing and rock climbing to nature walks. Kathy Thomas PhD, a licensed psychologist who has been working with C.O.P.S. for several years, is responsible for organizing and coordinating the counselors and counseling services for C.O.P.S. Kids Summer Camp. She said a primary goal for the C.O.P.S. Kids Camp is to give the children the opportunity to meet others the same age to help build a support system and a network of friends who share similar issues. "It's important for them to realize they aren't alone," she said. The natural grief of losing a family member - particularly a police officer killed in the line of duty - ironically can drive a wedge between family members, she said. The counseling sessions and camp experience can help "reconnect" family members, especially when they are away from the everyday hassles of life. "We're there more as facilitators," Kathy said. "And, we do all the activities with them as well. "Most of the children come back for a second and third year," she said. "They see their role as helping the newer kids. They wind up becoming the most wonderful, compassionate kids." Now in its 25th year, C.O.P.S. was founded to provide hands-on support for law enforcement's surviving families. "Over the past 24 years, the organization has grown and reached out to help thousands of families who have suffered the loss of a loved one," said Suzie Sawyer, C.O.P.S. executive director since the organization's creation and wife of a retired police officer. Participating to the Max Kelsey Scarbrough's father, Wayne County, MI Airport Authority Sgt. Michael Scarbrough, was felled in the line-of-duty in 2005, leaving her mom, Denise, and her twin brothers, Joshua and Mark, both 13 years old now. Kelsey, who is 16, has been to Kids Camp and is among the 50 15-to-20 year-old participants who will be Outward Bound mountain climbing in Colorado this summer. Kelsey said there's a real difference between attending Kids Camp and the Outward Bound program. Kids Camp is more oriented towards the children and parents being together. "Outward Bound is a strengthening program that challenges you to see how far you can push your limits," she said. It's also designed to build teamwork with two groups of 25 teens each. To help C.O.P.S., which offers programs including Kids Camp and Outward Bound free to members with the exception of travel, Kelsey organized a fundraising luncheon in honor of her father. The event raised more than $6,000. She sent $5,000 to National C.O.P.S. and the balance to the local chapter in Michigan to help defray the travel costs for families who couldn't participate without the aid. Kelsey's mom, Denise, said the C.O.P.S. members have been a lifeline for her and her family. "I feel so 'normal' when I am surrounded by these people who truly 'get it.' " And, they are always there for you when you need help - and to celebrate. In January, for example, Kelsey and her mom flew down to Nashville to surprise a C.O.P.S. girlfriend on her 16th birthday. In addition to Kids Camp and Outward Bound programs, C.O.P.S. also offers a series of retreats for surviving siblings, spouses, adult children, parents, fiancés and in-laws. Paul Gertsen, who started the Minnesota Chapter of C.O.P.S. after his brother Bill Davis, a Deputy Sheriff in Moody County, SD, was killed in the line of duty, has taken advantage of the retreat for siblings. Each day, participants can choose from a series of topics in counseling sessions. "It's not rigid," Paul said, adding that the primary benefit is to be together with others who have lost a sibling in the line of duty. The bulk of each day is centered around a range of activities including fishing, canoeing, archery, shooting, rope climbing and more - all designed to help build friendships, teamwork and trust. "You're encouraged to challenge yourself - both physically and emotionally. Some go back to the C.O.P.S. programs year after year just to see friends and renew friendships," he said. "The veterans want to go back to help new people. Reaching behind and pulling someone new up is the way this organization will continue." Supported by Contributions Sawyer said the organization depends entirely on charitable contributions from individuals, law enforcement agencies and organizations and corporate support to support its various programs. "As a non-profit organization, we are grateful for every contribution that C.O.P.S. receives that will allow us to continue and expand our programs for the C.O.P.S. families," she said. One of those supporters is Streamlight, a leading provider of professional grade flashlights, which counts a number of customers in the law enforcement industry. Streamlight began sponsoring various C.O.P.S programs many years ago "out of a deep commitment to the law enforcement community which places its trust in our products," explained Streamlight President Brad Penney. "We're very proud to sponsor these vitally important programs which provide such tremendous support to the survivors of fallen officers." For more information about C.O.P.S. and the programs it offers, visit www.nationalcops.org. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites          Comments (0)
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