Volunteers of America Northern Rockies

1876 S Sheridan Avenue Sheridan, WY 82801

Volunteers of America Northern Rockies provides a value-based program, targeted at fifth and sixth-grade youth through direct involvement and mentoring with a variety of law enforcement and criminal justice professionals. Camp POSTCARD (Peace Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams) is a free week-long camp! The camp is designed to benefit the most deserving fifth and sixth graders. For many of these youth, this represents their first camp experience and is a dream come true. This popular and successful program has proven to be an important opportunity for kids. Here they learn to build strong relationships and valuable life skills that serve them, their families, and their communities. Camp POSTCARD establishes positive bonds between the youth and law enforcement and criminal justice professionals. They build relationships to help reduce crime and the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. The experience provides a safe environment that stresses appropriate role models, ideals, and values. Campers are allowed and expected to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas and learn the importance of respect for themselves and others, teamwork, self-control, and dignity. Throughout the week, a variety of planned activities help youth build self-esteem, leadership, and decision-making skills. This includes a number of specialized team-building activities and events. Youth also take part in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, police demonstrations, archery, concerts, crafts, and riflery, with visits from guest speakers. Through this safe and positive environment, memories are created that last a lifetime. Local law enforcement officers, school resource officers, school personnel, and community members identify youth who would benefit from the camp experience. An important goal is to help empower youth to take more control of and responsibility for their own decisions, actions and, ultimately, their future. The program also increases awareness for schools, parents and communities about the issues that are important to youth.