ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is seeking to expand its free summer youth camp after a longtime program ended.

Dougherty County Sheriff Terron Hayes said the camp is the only free camp in Dougherty County. Albany State University canceled its summer youth program due to lack of federal funding.

>> READ MORE: Over 500 kids at risk as Albany State University plans to cut summer youth program <<

DCSO officials said they plan to increase the number of campers they can serve from 150 to 350. The office is requesting $70,860 in funding from the Dougherty County Commission to reach that goal.

Hayes said the camp is important because youth need safe and fun things to do this summer.

“We want to fill in the gap where we are going to have additional kids on our streets,” Hayes said. “We want to be able to give them a structured environment to be in, to participate in different things, educational aspects, as well as character education and just have fun and have an opportunity to be kids.”

The camp will be held at Merry Acres Middle School and starts June 1. The county is expected to vote on the request in the coming weeks.

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