Kids Learn to Be Leaders at Sheriff's Camp

Friday, 51 Natick kids graduated from the Middlesex County Sheriff's Youth Public Safety Camp at a ceremony in Billerica.

This is the 13th year of the Middlesex Couty Sheriff's Youth Public Safety Camp and the second year under Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, whose own son has attended the camp too.

"My kids have been through this camp. I get to see it through the children's eyes. I love this camp what it does for my children, and what it does for all of your children," said Koutoujian during the ceremony.

This summer almost 1,700 children will attend the camp. One week is designated each summer for Natick kids. They attended camp this year with kids from Framingham, Marlborough and Ashland.

Natick Cadets who graduated included:

Guns N' Hoses: Carrie Armstrong, Aidan Brogan, Kevin Coughlin, Katie DePalma, Christian Fletcher, Meghan Foley, Ryan Heffler, Scott McGillis, Sean McGillis, Steven McGillis, Brendan O'Donnell, Liam Ross, Jack Snyder, Max Snyder, Shawn Thornhill, Cameram Verna, Dominic Verna, Frankie Verna and Sophie Verna.

Task Force Tigers: Cody Adams, Spencer Burt, Caitlin Collins, Alex Crook, TJ Daicandro, Emma Dawidczyk, Ryan Dretler, Connor Flynn, Shane Kelly, Travis Knowlton, Amriana Lee, Imaria Lee, Avery Lemieux, Nick Leone, Claire Maxwell, Nolan Palms, Lydia Richardson, Emily Rogers, Aidan Whitecross, Kyle Whitecross, Matt Wilson and Sebastian Zani.

Natick Safety Dancing Zebras: Hunter Adams, Daniel Baptiste, Miranda Baptiste, Josh Christenase, Michael Clifford, Nick Collins, Nate Crook, Matt kelley, Jared Lista, Justin Lista, Ryan Maginnis, Blake Martinez, Ricky Mingolelli and Teddy Rodino.

During the free week-long camp, the cadets learned about Internet safety, toured the Natick Police Station, visited a Natick fire station, witnessed a demonstration from a K-9 unit and received some tips on nutrition.