Summer 2025 brought another unforgettable season of learning, growth, and adventure through the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office’s On-Track summer camps. Designed for middle school students and fully funded by the Sheriff’s Office, the On-Track program continues to build strong connections between youth and School Resource Officers (SROs) while offering a wide range of enriching experiences.
The program featured two separate two-week sessions, one for boys and one for girls, each packed with hands-on activities designed to help students build self-esteem, develop leadership skills, and step outside their comfort zones. From whitewater rafting and hiking at Sliding Rock, to team-building challenges and community service projects, campers embraced every opportunity to grow and explore alongside new friends.
One highlight of each session was Career Day, where campers got an up-close look at the roles of first responders and other professionals. Students interacted with the DWI Task Force, explored firefighter equipment like drones, and watched an exciting (and safe) K-9 demonstration showcasing bite, search, and detection dogs. After enjoying a cookout with their SRO mentors, students also learned about diverse career paths, both within law enforcement and beyond.
But the On-Track experience goes far beyond the daily activities. The relationships built between students and SROs are at the heart of the program. These connections help students gain confidence, build trust in law enforcement, and begin to see the possibilities for their futures.
The camps concluded with two separate graduation ceremonies, one for the boys' session and one for the girls', each serving as a joyful and meaningful celebration of the students’ accomplishments. The ceremonies were the perfect close to a summer filled with courage, laughter, learning, and lifelong memories.
As another On-Track summer wraps up, it’s clear that these camps continue to make a lasting impact—equipping young people with the tools, friendships, and confidence they need to stay on the right path.