Star Camp And The Kids Who Lead It

A free summer camp for hundreds of fifth graders sounds like a feel good story, but the real surprise is how practical it is. We sit down with Sergeant Kandy Carland from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department to unpack the STAR program, short for Sheriff’s Teaching Abuse Resistance, and how it prepares 10 and 11 year old's for the realities they’ll face in middle school. The focus stays on what actually works: education that’s age appropriate, relationships that build trust, and consistent support inside schools.We dig into what students learn in STAR, from being a good citizen to bullying prevention, responsible use of electronic devices, and clear guidance around vaping, alcohol, and drugs. Sergeant Carland explains why Henderson County’s school resource officer program matters so much and how daily presence changes the way kids see law enforcement. Instead of showing up only when something goes wrong, deputies and SROs become familiar, trusted adults who can help early.Then we get into Star Camp, a no cost, three day day camp offered across six summer sessions for about 550 students. From outdoor time in Pisgah National Forest to community service projects, the camp is designed to build confidence, friendships, and pride in school. We also share how the program is funded through community partners and sponsors, plus the Star Camp 5K fundraiser at Rugby Middle School, including ways to sign up and support.If you care about youth safety, substance abuse prevention, and building a stronger Henderson County, this conversation is for you. Subscribe for weekly community stories, share this with a parent or educator, and leave a review telling us what programs helped you most growing up.