The Blue Line Foundation runs SHIELD Camp, a free leadership camp for at-risk middle schoolers in Transylvania County, led by the School Resource Officers of the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office. The camp’s mission is straightforward but powerful: give young people facing social, economic, and emotional challenges a safe, structured environment where they can build confidence, resilience, and life skills — and where they can form genuine, trusting relationships with law enforcement officers who show up as mentors, not authority figures.
Campers are selected by School Resource Officers from each of Transylvania County’s middle schools, with a focus on youth who may be navigating neglect, trauma, poverty, anxiety, or other difficult circumstances. For many, SHIELD Camp offers experiences they’ve never had access to before — river tubing, fishing, hiking, team building — all within their own community and alongside adults who are invested in their success.
Lake Toxaway Charities is proud to support the Blue Line Foundation’s continued programming at Camp Matthew. Grant funding will help enhance the camp experience through new recreational additions, outdoor wellness space, and — critically — the meals, snacks, and supplies that ensure every camper is nourished and comfortable throughout their time at camp, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. By removing those practical barriers and replacing them with positive experiences and trusted adult connections, SHIELD Camp gives Transylvania County’s most vulnerable young people something they can carry well beyond the summer.
For additional information contact:
Greg Stroup (gstroup@tcsnc.org)
https://thebluelinefoundation.org