LEWISTON – Volunteer leaders from Camp POSTCARD (Police Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams) in Maine will join other volunteers to create a similar program for at-risk youth in Corazal, Belize, in August.

The summer camp in Maine, sponsored by Volunteers of America Northern New England in partnership with the Maine Sheriffs’ Association and the Maine DARE Officers Association, brings together law enforcement and criminal justice professionals who serve as camp leaders and mentors with deserving fifth- and sixth-graders from across the state.

The new camp in Belize, also named Camp POSTCARD, was developed by Volunteers of America in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Belize.

Belize was chosen because the needs of the children there are similar to those of the children in Maine, and it is the only English-speaking country in Central America.

The camp will provide 50 needy children from Belize City with an opportunity to spend time with adults who care about their welfare in a program that is designed to meet their needs.

Camp activities will help build skills and self-esteem and provide a fun and memorable time away from home, including reading, computer training, leadership and team-building exercises and more traditional summer camp activities.

Erich Buschmann, Lynn Campbell, Heather Douglas and Jeff Douglas will attend from the Lewiston/Auburn area. They are all employees of Volunteers of America and are each raising money to help pay for their trip and the cost of camp for the children in Belize.

Anyone who like to help support the local volunteers can send tax-deductible contribution (made out to Volunteers of America) to Volunteers of America, 14 Maine St., Suite 205, Brunswick, ME 04011. Indicate the donation is for the Belize camp.

For more information, contact Glenn Michaels at 373-1140 or e-mail [email protected]. Additional information is available on our web site at www.voa-nne.org.