Camp Minden’s newest class of Youth Challenge program cadets received a welcome from Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker Friday, and his message to the more than 100 young men and women included both advice and words of warning.
“I’m a big supporter of you all and I want to see you succeed,” Parker told the group. “I’m sworn to protect and serve the citizens of this parish and while you’re here I consider you to be citizens of this parish.”
And with the words of welcome, the Sheriff issued a stern warning to the group.
“As long as you stay on this compound this is the safest place for you to be. On this compound you play by Camp Minden rules. Once you jump that fence, you’re on my ground and you’re going to be playing by my rules and you may not like them,” Parker said.
Young people who do try to leave the compound face dangers that could include prove extremely dangerous. Parker said runners could be struck by traffic on U.S. Hwy. 80 or Interstate 20; citizens have the right to protect their property and that could lead to dangerous confrontations if someone is trespassing; woods surrounding the compound are filled with poisonous snakes that can kill.
“Consider the possibility of sex offenders. There’s a truck stop nearby and let’s say you go there and somebody says ‘Hey, I’ll give you a ride.’ We may never see you again,” he said. “If you do run, and we catch you, you will not come back here. There will be consequences. If you happen to be 18, we have BDCC (Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center) and I’m not afraid to put you there.”
Parker said his words of warning were meant to be advice; a stimulus for cadets to stay the course and take advantage of what the 22-week class has to offer.
“The time you have here is just a blink of an eye. Complete the program and you will be a better person,” Parker said. “We may have future law enforcement, future politicians, military..all kinds of things you can do to be citizens people will be proud of.”
Camp Minden’s training and discipline is meant to get young cadets in the right frame of mind, to graduate and move forward, the Sheriff said.
“Do not let anyone else influence you. Administratively, counseling will help if you have problems. My deputies and I will visit Camp Minden occasionally and we are always ready to listen,” Parker told the cadets.
“Remember, there’s nothing for you on the other side of that fence. If we ever meet again and it’s not on this compound, don’t ask for forgiveness. The people here won’t be able to help you if you cause a serious problem. This is your only warning,” he said.