Ark River Supports Awareness Camp

Towards the end of May, Arkansas River Coalition along with our Sea Scout Ship Convergence supported Awareness Camp hosted at OJ Watson Park by Quivira Council, Scouting America. The camp is largely operated by area Police, Fire, EMS and Military organizations to provide a scout-based camp experience for young people who have limited exposure to such activities. Camp activities included fishing, kites, water bottle rockets, BB guns and more. Our Sea Scouts provided water sports including kayaking & paddle boats. Ark River Coalition supplied the kayaks and floatation devices to ensure the activities

success.  The magic of this camp is the kids are unaware that all of their camp leaders are first responders or military, as they’re all in plain clothes.  On the last day of camp, kids are treated to a parade of emergency vehicles running lights and sirens and they’re all shocked to see their camp leaders stepping out in their respective uniforms. It’s a heartwarming moment when they learn they’ve been hanging out and bonding with first responders all week. The program helps break barriers and creates a greater awareness for kids of the people who provide emergency services. It’s a wonderful program and we’re delighted to be a part of it.