By Kim Hilsenbeck

Many parents teach their children to respect law enforcement. But that lesson may get lost if a child sees police officers in a less appealing light, such as arresting a parent.

The Jr. Deputy Academy, hosted by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), is a free summer camp that aims to create more positive relationships with youth and law enforcement officers. It’s open to youth age 8-10 who live in Hays County.

HCSO offer two camps each summer, one in Kyle and one in Wimberley.

Deputy Tom Ormsby, a 22-year veteran of HCSO, said he enjoys being part of the team that presents the camps each year.

“The reason why I do [this camp] is an interaction with the police is not always a positive thing,” he said in a recent interview. “[Officers] might have to arrest a parent or something similar, which can leave a negative impression.”

He spoke to us while about 30 campers were across the hall learning about internet safety.

“Yes, we have a job to do but we like to have fun with the community,” he said.

Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler, who has continued the camp started about 18 years ago by then Sheriff Alan Bridges, said he would like to see parents not create a barrier between children and law enforcement officers.

“I’ll hear a parent at a restaurant or a business tell their kids when they see a police officer in uniform, ‘if you don’t straighten up, he’ll get you.’ That’s the worst message they can send to their children,” he said.

Instead, just as with the camp, Cutler and Ormsby hope to create positive interactions with police.

Does this camp help overcome negative attitudes?

“I think it does,” Ormsby said.

The campers spend three full days with HCSO staff, who coordinate the activities months in advance.

During each three-day academy, the campers meet with personnel from the various units within HCSO, including K9, evidence/crime scene investigations, animal control, patrol officers, detectives, traffic officers, the narcotics team, SWAT and crisis negotiators. They also meet with corrections officers from the Hays County Jail and take a tour of the county’s 911-communication center.

“We try to give them an overall picture of how everything works,” Ormsby said. “What you see on TV isn’t always how it works.”

He said seeing everything behind the scenes helps fill in the blanks for the children.

And Ormsby said the academy grows each year as the HCSO adds outside agencies to the curriculum.

“Last year we added the Greater San Marcos Youth Council to address bullying,” he said. “Kids are taking their lives because of bullying.”

The camp also includes an electrical safety demonstration by PEC, a segment on internet safety and appropriate behavior by NetSmart, and a discussion by the Hays Caldwell Drug and Alcohol Council.

Classes take place at Wallace Middle School for the east side academy; they’re held at the Wimberley Activity Center for the west side academy.

During both weeks, campers take a field trip to the San Marcos Fire Department and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. They meet with Cutler and get a group photo.

Ormsby estimated each academy runs more than $10,000 between the manpower, T-shirts, fuel, bus rental and demonstrations. He said some of the funding comes from the Wimberley VFW and the San Marcos Lions Club.

“They are very generous each year,” Ormsby said.

He also said Cuevas Produce in San Marcos, owned by Tommy Cuevas, donates bananas and apples for the camps. 

What seems to be the campers favorite thing? 

“Animal control, K9 and SWAT seem to be the most popular segments,” he said. 

But the students also seem to think the crime scene is cool, based on an informal survey of this reporter’s two children who attended the camp.

And touring a medical flight helicopter is always a big hit.

Pilot Nate Bowman and his crew of EMS personnel from Methodist AirCare came in from Seguin last Wednesday. He landed the chopper in the field next to the San Marcos Fire Department station on the north side of the city.

The campers spent about an hour getting buckled into the seats, talking with the flight crew and even getting their autographs.

Ormsby said he’s seen kids who are shy and quiet come out of their shells during the academy. 

“Some of the kids are a little nervous on the first day; law enforcement can be intimidating,” he said.

But by the second day, Ormsby said many of the campers are relaxed and interacting with law enforcement in a positive manner.

What’s the best comment he’s received from campers?

“I want to come back,” he said.