Local kids enjoy first annual Community Passport Adventure Camp

Attending camp were Madison Allen, Ashton Beckett Addison Corwin, Aiden Doyle, Emma Hill, Sadie Litzler, Dalton Medley, McKenzie Medley, Maria Mitchell, Tavis Pack, Cinthia Souder, William Souder, Jenna Utterback, Zachery Reed and Alexa Peck.

Several of Fleming County’s youth took part in a week of fun during the first Annual Community Passport Adventure Camp.

The Fleming County Extension FCS Advisory Council along with the Fleming County Chamber, Tourism and Discover Flemingsburg planned and sponsored the camp.

Future leaders of our county took part in the discovery of what makes our community so valuable.

To kick off their four day event campers created a homemade solar oven and made smores under the guidance of Gwen O’Cull and Barbara Campbell.

Gwen also prepared a Dutch oven to bake cheesy biscuits and Barb mixed up a refreshing pitcher of fruit flavored water.

On the first day of camp students explored the Justice Center and the Courthouse where they were given a passport to have stamped.

While at the Justice Center students got to experience what it was like to go through security as Danny Carpenter checked their belongings and officer Brad showed them how the security wand was used.

Campers also saw inside the courtroom where they tried out the juror seats and took their turn in the Judges Chair and also visited the holding cell.

Circuit Clerk Amy Saunders gave the camper a tour of her office as well.

The Community Adventure Camp also included a visit with County Judge Executive Larry Foxworthy’s office, County Clerk Jarrod Fritz’s office where Jarrod showed them an old map of Fleming County before heading down to the PVA Office where Michele Fannin Butler explained her office duties and showed them how their homes were listed in the data base.

At the 911 Dispatch, Charlotte Benton explained her work as a 911 operator and the procedure for how she handles incoming emergency calls.

Later in the day, campers stopped by City Hall where they were greeted by Mayor Marty Voiers and were given a tour of the City Council meeting room.

The first half of day two of Community Passport Adventure camp consisted of a visit with Fleming County Sheriff Gary Kinder, deputy Justin Conley, County Attorney assistant Teresa Thomas, City Police officer Aaron Workman and Fleming County Emergency/Water Management John Sims Jr.

Seventeen children enjoyed the tours and enjoyed lunch at SMS’s summer feeding program. Thank you to all who participated and special thank you to organizers—Donna Fryman and Alivia Faris from Fleming County Cooperative Extension Service, Brenda Plummer from Fleming County Museum Society, Crystal Ruark and Melanie Jones from Fleming County Chamber, Discover Flemingsburg and Tourism and Fleming County High School student volunteer Andrea Ruark.

Day two was also filled with safety topics and chamber executive director Crystal Ruark discussed the difference between the sheriff, police and state police

The kids got to meet with Flemingsburg volunteer fireman, Raymond Pollitt and checked out one of the city’s fire engines.

Next they had the pleasure of talking with and going through one of Fleming County’s ambulances.

The kids were able to ask questions and gained information about becoming an EMT and a Paramedic from EMTs Kathy Fearin and John McDaniel.

After their afternoon snack the kids got an opportunity to meet Jimmy Hunt who works with the sanitation department for the City of Flemingsburg.

On day four, campers learned about Nature and Health topics with various activities at the City Park and Nature Trail and was sponsored by the Fleming County Extension Service.

During the nature portion of camp each child that participated had fun as they learned safety and respect for fishing from county agent, Ben Hubbard and learned to tie a square knot for their hooks and to cast their lines into the water.

Campers also were able to visit the Farmers Market where they learned to pick out fresh produce for the Veggies Make Cents day and enjoyed learning how to cook up some stir fry and fresh smoothies.

Day four wrapped up the camp adventures with a focus on history and a visit to the Fleming County Covered Bridge Museum.

Students participated in a scavenger hunt where museum volunteers, helped them find various items on display.

Campers added even more knowledge about their community as they learned the history of some of the historic buildings that are still in existence during the walking tour led by Brenda Plummer.

At the end of their museum visit the campers created a diorama of a historical site.

The day was completed as campers were presented with awards for completing their passports.