The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office began teaching the Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety C.H.A.M.P.S program in 2006. The program is geared to 5th graders to help teach them various safety and drug topics. Each year deputies work with the Oconee County School System to bring C.H.A.M.P.S to the current 5th graders. The students may learn about the internet and social media and how to stay safe while playing games or surfing the web. Students also learn about home alone safety, child abduction, and how to handle various emergencies. Other topics may include peer pressure, bullying, alcohol, or tobacco.
The C.H.A.M.P.S program is sponsored by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and the topics can be geared to fit the needs of the individual school systems. The program is taught using power point, workbooks, and various teaching aids. All students are required to write an essay at the end of the program describing what they have learned and prizes are awarded for the top essay. Every student also receives a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
The Sheriff’s Office is very proud of the students and the relationship it has with the Oconee County School System. We are very thankful for the willingness they show allowing us to come into the schools and share this program.
If you have any questions, please contact the C.H.A.M.P.S Program coordinator Sgt. Kandy Marchman at 706-769-5665 or kmarchman@oconeesheriff.org.