Operation Safe Haven

In conjunction with the department's D.A.R.E. program, the Special Operations Platoon also conducts a summer camp each July. This camp, known as Operation Safe Haven, was first held in the summer of 1996. The first camp was three days long and had 30 campers. Since that first camp, it has grown to five days and reaches 50 to 60 kids each year.

The camp targets 5th-grade D.A.R.E. graduates that are rising to the 6th grade. The camp reinforces the messages taught in the D.A.R.E. classroom through interaction with the officers and special guest speakers. However, the camp is also full of fun activities. Campers have visited Carowinds, the N.C. Zoo, Panther's stadium, baseball games, Discovery Place, and a variety of other fun activities. 

Although the schedule changes from year to year, one thing remains constant. The camp is free for all campers. A host of businesses donate food, refreshments, and other support to help this camp remain free. To help show their appreciation, on the last day of camp campers participate in numerous community service projects. Over the years campers have built handicap ramps, helped with home improvement projects, worked at the local soup kitchen, performed litter pick up, and other worthwhile projects.

The camp culminates with a graduation and banquet for the campers and their families.

For information about Morganton's D.A.R.E. program call Lt. Tayler Alexander at 828-509-3664, talexander@morgantonps.org.