Sheriff's Office asks Geary County for support for Camp Shield youth program

Deputy K9 Kayla Dejal and Detective Tom Harley of the Geary County Sheriff’s Office briefed commissioners on Camp Shield, a free youth camp run by the Community Involvement Team that uses mostly volunteer staff and deputies to run leadership and outdoor activities for children.

"Basically, the goal of Camp Shield... is to get kids who don't have the opportunity," Deputy K9 Kayla Dejal said, describing a screen-free camp that includes leadership games, a high ropes course, stream studies and safety education. She said the Community Involvement Team funds the program through small fundraisers and that the camp is provided to families at no charge.

Camp Shield leaders said they are budgeting about $17,000 to run the program in 2025 for an expanded group of participants and requested county assistance from the drug-and-alcohol fund to cover most costs. Detective Tom Harley added that the group hopes to grow the program and partner with neighboring counties and schools.

County staff and commissioners explained that outside entities (501(c)(3)) seeking appropriations must submit a formal appropriation request and budget and be processed through the normal budget/appropriation cycle. A commissioner said staff (Tammy) will provide appropriation paperwork and that a 2025 payment could be considered promptly once documents are received, but annual appropriation requests will still be required for future years.

Next steps: The Community Involvement Team was asked to work with Tammy in finance to submit the appropriation paperwork and a detailed budget; commissioners expressed support and preliminary willingness to review the request once complete.