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The holidays at Sheffield Boot Camp
The holiday season is the brightest, most festive time of the year. At Sheffield Boot Camp, it's no different. Activities have been taking place at the boot camp since Thanksgiving, when groups of volunteers from surrounding areas baked and wrapped individual holiday treats for each cadet. Every cadet received a sack of these treats, which included a variety of cookies, brownies, tarts, trail mix, and a candy cane. There's nothing like west Texas cooks ... there were enough treats left over for staff as well!
On Monday, December 10th, boot camp cadets and staff alike were entertained by a city-wide choir from Ozona. The Christmas Cantata, directed by Nanette Verner, included a variety of Christmas songs and carols. Dr. Gary Vanoy delivered a Christmas message in story format, connecting all the songs together. Cadets so enjoyed the program they were clapping and singing along with the volunteers! Cadets and staff then enjoyed the many holiday treats brought by the volunteers.
A campus-wide Christmas party was held on Wednesday, December 12th. More than 30 volunteers from the youth group at the Catholic Church in Ozona came to brighten the holidays for Sheffield cadets. Valerie Sanchez led the group, which entertained cadets and staff alike with a story about the birth of Christ through a skit and music. All enjoyed treats afterwards.
Touching the hearts of young people who cannot be home with family and loved ones for the holidays, holds an eternal impact. It teaches them lessons about life that they can learn in no other way - that they can be cared about by folks who don't even know them. (Most have not even considered such an idea!) It gives them hope for a better future. It gives them a sense of value and worth. Youth need to know adults care. They need adults to be there for them. They also need to know that they can have fun in a clean, healthy way, with peers who are positive and constructive. The volunteers from communities surrounding Sheffield have always come through for the cadets at this important time of year. 2007 was no exception.
"For all of the things the surrounding communities have done to make this an even brighter holiday season than ever before all of us - the staff and cadets of Sheffield Boot Camp - have to shout a huge, resounding THANK YOU!" said Jane Harber, Sheffield Community Relations Coordinator.
Sheffield Boot Camp, along with Texas Youth Commission (TYC), is undergoing major reforms to make the TYC experience more positive and constructive for youth. Under the direction of Acting Commandant, Deborah Harris, the boot camp is optimistic, with a hopeful outlook on the future. If you would like to be a part of this change and a make difference in the lives of the cadets, consider volunteering or applying for a job. For information about employment, contact Teresa Rodriguez, Human Resources Administrator, at 432-836-4624, ext. 2269. Or, visit the TYC website at http://www.tyc.state.tx.us. For information about becoming a volunteer, contact Jane Harber, Community Relations Coordinator, at 432-836-4624, ext. 2215.
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