“Five years ago we lost state funding for the program,” Barbara Faherty from the District Attorney’s office said. “The DA, Tim Cruz, felt this program was too important to get cut and came up with innovative ways to keep it. And, with the help of all the drug education officers and area towns, we are able to run the program.”

In addition to drug forfeiture money, the program is funded by local business sponsors and donations.

“Towns across Plymouth County have banded together to find ways to fund the program to keep it going,” Faherty said.

“The businesses have been very receptive to the funding,” Kevin Harrington, Whitman DARE Officer said. “A lot of them have been doing this for many years and it’s just a great program for the kids.”

This year there are nearly 300 kids from 15 towns including Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Rockland, Hanover, Whitman and Hanson. Through alternative teaching methods like musical entertainment or a wiffle ball game, the kids learn about drug education, alcohol resistance, public safety, teamwork and self esteem.

“The program means a lot to the kids,” Harrington said. “We try to mix and match the kids from all the different towns, so they can meet new people and make friends that aren’t from their town.”

The week of camp is filled with activities for the kids to enjoy and hopefully take away some lessons as well. Included in the activities and events is a visit from BMX rider Chris Poulos who performs bike stunts, in addition to delivering a message of anti-bullying. Also, the Fire Department provides a day of “clean fun” through water day and the safe house. Capping off the week is the Sheriff’s Department with a K9 demonstration.

 “It’s an awesome program,” Stephanie Bronov, volunteer staff member and camp coordinator said. “The camp provides the kids with an opportunity to learn and get to know the authorities in their town.”

Faherty mentioned an important aspect of the camp is the peer leaders. The leaders, who range in ages from high school kids to college students, act as positive role models for the younger children.

Hanson DARE Officer Rick Nawazelski said he really enjoys the camp and is thrilled at how well it has done over the years.

“This is my 14th year doing the program,” Nawazelski said. “The towns of Whitman and Hanson do really well; I know Hanson alone has about 58 kids here.”

Despite losing the state funding a few years ago, the summer program is doing well. He hopes the program keeps going because of how important it is for the kids.

“These kids get to meet other kids from the South Shore, kids they likely wouldn’t ever know and learn some valuable lessons too,” Nawazelski said. “I’ve talked to kids as they have grown older and they say one of their favorite things was coming to this camp.”