LEONARD GRAY

PHOTOS: Sheriff Greg C. Champagne of St. Charles Parish, right, and Sheriff Willy J. Martin Jr. of St. James Parish, below, do their part to inspire young boys into better citizenship and good fun at Camp Salmen Scout Reservation in Kiln, Miss. (Staff Photos by Leonard Gray) By LEONARD GRAY Staff Reporter KILN, Miss. – The piney hills were filled with the shouts of joyful noise as young boys climbed bumpy trails, exchanged spooky stories around campfires and forged friendships. At-risk youths, nominated by churches, schools and other programs, were joined by deputies from across southeast Louisiana, including St. Charles and St. James parishes, at Camp Salmen Scout Reservation. From St. Charles Parish, 53 campers were joined by 11 deputies, and St. James Parish brought 10 campers, two Explorer Boy Scouts and three deputies. Activities from archery to swimming occupied the campers’ time in the week-long program. It is designed to acquaint the boys with the great outdoors, while getting outside their urban neighborhoods. Sponsored by the sheriffs of St. Charles, St. James, Lafourche, St. Tammany, Plaquemine, Orleans and Jefferson parishes, the camp takes boys who otherwise might be drawn toward crime and redirects their energies while exposing them to new possibilities. “It is working, a little bit at a time,” said St. Charles Sheriff Greg C. Champagne, who joined the campers at mid-week. After lunch on that day, Champagne told his campers, “Every one of you guys has the potential to be successful. I hope we’re giving you the foundation to do that.” For the deputies/camp counselors, the experience is enlightening for them as well. A few are unaccustomed to sleeping in tents or the other usual “discomforts” of camp life. “It’s been hot!” exclaimed St. Charles Deputy Clint Marcella. James Hebert, a St. Charles deputy, said one effect the camp has is to break up neighborhood street gangs and improve relations between juveniles and law enforcement officials. St. James deputies participating included John Dunn, Michael Kirby and Craig Long. They were joined at mid-week by Sheriff Willy Martin Jr., who said, “I’m committed to sponsor this as often as I can.” The deputy/counselors from St. Charles Parish included, Warren “Pie” LeBeauf, Wayne Joseph, Patrick Yoes, Damien Scioneaux, Burley McCarter, Chad Benoit, Dwayne LaGrange, Mark Smith, James Hebert, Clint Marcella and Clint LeBlanc. The boys themselves enjoyed the fresh air, swimming, canoeing, hiking, shooting hoops, arts and crafts, and several classes in first aid, camp crafts and citizenship. As with most any outdoors’ outing, there were some problems. One youngster slipped and broke a bone in his hip and a pair of twins who had never spent a night away from their mother were homesick on the first night and were returned to their home in St. James Parish. However, a St. Rose 12-year-old named Joseph said it for a lot of campers when he commented, “I like getting away from home and chillin’ with new people.” The camp is also excellent therapy and attitude-adjustment for deputies who see too many juveniles as juvenile offenders. Sharing the seven-day camp experience allows the deputies to view them as children, too. “We love to help them,” Wayne Joseph said. “It’s good for all of us.”