Crime & Safety

Plymouth County Drug And Alcohol Resistance Camp Canceled

The camp that hosts more than 500 counselors and campers from 21 Plymouth County towns was canceled due to coronavirus concerns.

PLYMOUTH, MA — A Plymouth County July camp that draws more than 500 campers and counselors each year, and addresses the social pressures facing fifth and sixth graders, has been canceled due to the new coronavirus.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said the Drug and Alcohol Resistance Camp will not hold a session this summer for the first time in 27 years, citing the school closures and difficulties of social distancing with large groups of children.

"The decision to cancel this year's program did not come lightly and there were several factors that led up to this unfortunate decision," Cruz said. "These trying times cast doubt on whether we would adequately be able to keep children and police officers safe, and I felt it would be ill-advised to move forward."

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The camp annually draws from 21 Plymouth County communities, including Plymouth, Hingham and Brockton.

Cruz said that while money forfeited in drug seizures help fund the camp, it also receives sponsorships from local businesses that may have been closed or struggling since the start of the health crisis two months ago, and that it would be unfair to ask them to contribute during this time.

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Cruz said the camp will return in 2021.

More Patch Coronavirus Coverage: 'The New Normal': MA Details 4-Phase Approach To Reopening State

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