2025 Sheriff’s Youth Summer Camps: Building Trust, Confidence, and Community
By Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Specialist Grace Norris
This summer, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office proudly hosted three weeks of Sheriff’s Youth Summer Camps, engaging middle schoolers from across the county. These free, three-day camps are made possible in part by the generous support of the Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation, and we are incredibly grateful.
Each camp was filled with hands-on activities, meaningful conversations, and opportunities for our youth to connect directly with the men and women behind the badge. Campers took part in everything from tug-of-war and water balloon relays to team-building games, bike obstacle courses, and dodgeball. While the fun kept spirits high, the heart of these camps is education, mentorship, and building community connections.
Throughout all three weeks, campers heard from deputies and community partners who shared powerful messages of perseverance, leadership, and the importance of making healthy life choices. One of the most impactful sessions came from Deputy Katie Leon, a K9 handler, who visited each camp to talk about the dangers of drugs. In addition to her professional expertise, Deputy Leon shared a deeply personal story of losing a loved one to addiction—a message that left a lasting impression on both campers and staff.
Other presentations included visits from our K9 Unit, who demonstrated their incredible skills and gave campers an up-close look at the vital roles our working dogs and handlers play in public safety. Campers also learned CPR through a fun relay led by Search and Rescue member and Sheriff’s Office Legal Clerk Lisa Marie Donnahoo, experienced wildlife education from Pacific Wildlife Care (complete with rescued animals), and heard inspiring stories of adventure and resilience from guest speaker Brooke Downes, who recently rowed across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii as part of an all-female team.
Additional presentations featured the Tobacco Control Coalition, Friday Night Live, Cal Fire, and our very own Crime Prevention Specialist Brandy Swain, who spoke about internet safety, cyberbullying, and protecting personal information online—one of the most requested topics we bring to schools throughout the county.
Each camp wrapped up with a Public Service Day where campers met specialty units from the Sheriff’s Office—including our Bomb Task Force, Dive Team, Special Enforcement Detail, Marine Enforcement, Custody Division, K9 Unit, Sheriff’s Posse, and Dispatch—as well as partners from CHP, local fire departments, Fish & Wildlife, and SLO County Libraries. These days gave campers a hands-on opportunity to explore equipment, climb inside emergency vehicles, ask questions, and gain a deeper appreciation for the people who serve their communities.
More than just a summer activity, these camps are designed to build trust between local youth and law enforcement, plant seeds of leadership, and offer encouragement at a critical time in a young person’s life. Thanks to the continued support of the Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation, we’re proud to provide a space where youth feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Thank you, SAF, for your ongoing partnership and support of our camps—we look forward to another impactful summer next year!
