Goshen Township Police Department
Summer Camps in Full Swing!  
These days, you might call someone willing to take on 15 kids for a week insane. In Goshen Township, we call that person Officer James Taylor.
Taylor hosts several camps over the summer months including the Junior Police Academy, aimed at teenagers. But the Extreme Camps are aimed at younger children, more energetic children. I rode along with the gang for a day, and I was worn out just from watching! From flying through the air at "Champions of Faith" gymnastics gym in Blanchester, to splashing in Cowan Lake - these kids are always on the go!
Officer Taylor keeps an eye on the kids from a watchful distance, allowing them to explore and make friends independent of adult influence, but he is constantly aware of their whereabouts. One thing is clear here - these kids sure respect him. "I assigns team leaders," Taylor said. He says the secret to getting kids to behave is to make them responsible for themselves, and their peers. The team leaders have to keep track of everyone in their group, and make sure everyone eats a healthy lunch!
The camps have been around since 2001, and are usually filled with 25 kids. This year though, things are a bit different. Only 15 kids are in each camp, and for the first time ever, kids have to pay to participate. Their $35 dollar fee covers transportation, food, and all costs of an overnight camping and lake experience at "Long's Family Retreat" in Latham. Officer Taylor admits the cost is lower than it needs to be, saying he spends cash out of his own pocket to make it happen.
With a safety services levy on the August 5th ballot, programs like these camps are in danger. Parents can get involved though, to make sure this exciting summer option remains available for their children in years to come. Outside of approving the safety services levy, parents can make direct donations. Being short on cash doesn't mean you can't help. "It doesn't have to be money," Officer Taylor said, "They can donate food, or deliver it to the camp." Monetary donations are appreciated as well. They can be made at any LCNB location to the "Goshen Police Officer's Association" in care of Officer Taylor.
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