In 1981, the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches started a two-week camping program in tents on a few acres of woods at the Boys Ranch. We took in youth who were too troublesome for residential care and paired them with Deputies from their communities serving as counselors. Our goal was to teach respect and healthy habits while campers had fun.

The program was such a success that we took it on the road in 1982 and ran week-long camp sessions at several locations throughout the state. By the end of that summer, the Youth Ranches made the decision to purchase a Girl Scout camp in Pierson, Florida and make summer camp a permanent addition to the Youth Ranches family.

Over 40 years later, our summer camping program has expanded to three overnight campuses and our mobile camping program, Harmony in the Streets. Activities include canoeing, archery, high ropes, challenge courses and arts and crafts. Campers live among their peers, learning how to share and function properly within a group setting, and learning the 4 R’s: Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Authority, and Respect the Environment. Every summer, we see leaders emerge as campers learn to communicate, work as a team, and have confidence in themselves.

Since 1981, our camp theme has been “Law Enforcement Officers Are Your Friends!” Deputy Sheriffs and other Law Enforcement Volunteers to get personally involved with the youngsters to form positive, healthy relationships. These interactions are designed to build stronger communities long after the summer ends.

Strong and devoted leadership is the key to a successful camping experience. The staff includes college students, graduates, teachers, and other professionals committed to helping boys and girls become productive, law-abiding citizens.