STONEWALL, La. — The 35th annual Caddo Parish Sheriff's Camp is underway at the Kinsey Scout Reservation, marking a historic milestone for the long-running program.
For the first time in the camp's history, girls are participating in the wilderness experience.
A group of 26 local children are attending the camp this year. Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. said deputies are on-site mentoring the campers through various outdoor activities, including archery, fishing and swimming.
The participants expressed excitement about the different skills they are learning.
"My favorite thing about this camp was swimming, because I got to swim with a lot of new friends," said camper Kaela Layton.
Another camper, Addisyn Leary, said she enjoyed the target sports.
"I like the archery and the BB guns because I just felt like a real hunter," Leary said.
For Connar Crowder, the highlight was the time spent on the water.
"The fishing. Because I love to fish. And it's one of my favorite things to do," Crowder said.
The camp is provided free of charge to the children and is funded entirely through private donations. The program is scheduled to conclude Wednesday.