A Free Summer Camp Is Giving Southern Tier Kids Something Special

If you are already wondering how you are going to keep the kids busy when school is out, you are not alone. Summer camps can be amazing for kids, but they can also be expensive, and not every family has room in the budget for extra activities or vacations. That is why this opportunity from the Broome County Sheriff’s Office is worth knowing about.

Free Summer Camp Applications Are Open for Local Kids

Broome County is now accepting applications for the New York State Sheriff’s Summer Camp, and it is completely free for families who qualify. The camp is open to children ages 9 to 12 who may not otherwise have the chance to attend summer camp or go on a summer vacation because of financial reasons. The deadline to apply for the first round is March 1, 2026.

Everything Is Covered, So Families Pay Nothing

This is not one of those programs where families still have to pay for meals or transportation. The camp covers it all. Food, lodging, travel, and activities are fully paid for through donations and funding from the New York State Sheriff’s Institute. Kids travel to Keuka Lake in Penn Yan for a full camp experience that includes sports, swimming, creative activities, and plenty of chances to just be kids for the week.

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Two Chances This Summer for Kids to Go to Camp

This summer, Broome County will be sending children to camp during two separate weeks. The first session runs from June 28 through July 4, and the second is from August 2 through August 8. Each child attends for one full week, giving them time to settle in, make friends, and really enjoy everything camp has to offer.

A Safe, Supportive Camp Led by Caring Officers

One of the special parts of this program is that sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers from across the state volunteer their time at camp. They stay on site and take part in daily activities, along with fun demonstrations like K9 units, helicopters, marine units, and more. The goal is to create a safe, positive place where kids feel supported and encouraged, especially at an age when confidence really matters.

Deadlines Matter and Spots Are Filling Fast

The first page of the application is due by March 1, and families who are selected will then need to complete the full four-page packet, including medical forms signed by a doctor, by April 1. Spots are limited, and local deputies say they are already filling up, so getting paperwork in sooner rather than later really does matter.

How to Apply or Help Another Family Apply

If you think this could be a good fit for your child, or if you know a family who might benefit, applications are available through the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Parents can contact Records Clerk Pamella Riley at 607-778-6543, email Pamella.Riley@broomecountyny.gov, or stop by the Sheriff’s Office to pick up an application in person.

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Giving More Kids a Summer to Remember

Not every child gets the chance to go to camp, swim in a lake, sit around with new friends, and come home with stories they will talk about for years. This program exists to make sure more kids in our community get that experience, even when money is tight. If this sounds like something your family could use this summer, it may be worth taking a few minutes to apply and see where it leads.