The Maryland State Police, Prince Frederick Barrack hosted the 16th annual Camp C.O.P.S. July 16-20. 105 Calvert County middle school children participated in the week long camp. Camp C.O.P.S. (Courage to be Outstanding with Pride and Self confidence) is held every year at Kings Landing Park in Huntingtown.
Law enforcement officers from around the region put on displays and events designed to educate students in the various aspects of law enforcement. With an emphasis placed on teamwork and military style discipline, the campers are divided into teams. Teams spend the week completing tasks and enjoying friendly competition in activities such as the obstacle course, kickball tournament, and swimming.
Each team has a law enforcement team leader. Representatives from the following agencies acted as team leaders during the week; Maryland State Police, Calvert County Sheriff’s Department, Metropolitan Police Department, and Department of Juvenile Services.
Many agencies and businesses took the time to educate the children with demonstrations and displays, including; Maryland State Police Aviation Unit (Helicopter – Trooper 7), Calvert County Detention Center, Calvert County Sheriff’s Department, Charles County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Capital Park Police, Secret Service, Calvert County Health Department and World Gym of Prince Frederick.
The highlight of the week for most of the children was the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police boat rides.
The camp was made possible due to support from Calvert County Public Schools, Optimist Club of Calvert County, private donors and the law enforcement agencies mentioned above.
A special thanks to:
Dunkirk Baptist Church for preparing food during the week.
Sgt. Bruce Bevard – MSP School Liaison Officer and Larry Titus – CCPS Student Services, for months of preparation and coordination.
