Philip W. Sugg School students who represented Lisbon at Camp POSTCARD are pictured. From left in back are Chelsea Smith, Emily Stevens, Nicole Fletcher and Brittany Roldan; front, Andrew Deneen, Paul Smith and Neil Smith.

Lisbon students report to Camp POSTCARD

LISBON – Seven students from the sixth-grade class at Philip W. Sugg Middle School reported on June 10 to the YMCA camp in Winthrop for a seven-day overnight camp called Camp POSTCARD.

POSTCARD, now in its 15th year, stands for Police Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams. The camp is free; funds are raised by law enforcement agencies, foundations and sponsors.

Each year it provides an opportunity for children to have fun in a safe and structured environment. Approximately 150 students attend the camp each summer with referrals of more than 300 students.

In Lisbon, sixth-grade students who have successfully completed the DARE curriculum and would benefit from the experience of meeting kids from all over the state are invited to attend.

During the week-long camp, attendees have free time to fish, swim, kayak and play kickball, tennis and basketball. They also have Carnival Day and Demonstration Day.

Many police agencies share what they enjoy most about law enforcement during the event. The Maine State Police bomb robot, K-9 demonstrations, the touch tank from the state Fish and Wildlife Department, U. S. Marshall’s Service and the LifeFlight helicopter are shared during the Demonstration Day.

“In my experience as a camp leader, most of the children who are selected for Camp POSTCARD really wish they could attend a second year,” said Lisbon School Resource Officer Renee Bernard.

“It is fun to see those campers, who are a little hesitant on day one, leaving families, ‘survive’ what is probably their first overnight camp experience. We present awards to two campers from each cabin. Awards are based on the most improved student or for leadership skills. The kids hear the nominations and receive awards during a dinner, with uniformed police officers presenting the awards. After a week of shorts and T-shirts, it marks a very special night for campers and staff,” said Bernard.