D.A.R.E. - Drug Abuse Resistance Education

Drug Abuse Resistance Education, better known as D.A.R.E., was founded in 1983 and has proven so successful that it has been implemented in thousands of schools throughout the United States and many other countries.

D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

In Shenandoah County Public Schools, D.A.R.E. is taught by a D.A.R.E. Certified School Resource Officer to each 5th grade student on all three campuses. D.A.R.E. is a 10-lesson class where students learn about drug prevention, resistance, peer pressure and bullying.

The main purpose of D.A.R.E. is to give students the knowledge and guidance on how to make healthy decisions in life and promote strong individual core values.

R.A.D. - Rape Aggression Defense System

Rape Aggression Defense, better known as R.A.D. is four-part course that helps to empower women and teaches them how to defend themselves, when faced with danger. The course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. Participants learn self-defense tactics and techniques.

In Shenandoah County Public Schools, R.A.D. is taught by a R.A.D. Certified School Resource Officer, in our high schools to 9th and 10th grade female students. Students are given the opportunity to go through this course as part of their Physical Education curriculum.

R.A.D. is also a class we put on for the citizens of Shenandoah County as well different organizations such as hospital staff, churches, and businesses, at their request.

If you would like to have a R.A.D. class, please contact the Captain of Support Services at (540) 459-6100.

Youth Leadership Camp

During the first week in June the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office hosts its (now) 12th annual overnight Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Camp.

This weeklong camp brings together 30 middle school aged kids from all over Shenandoah County (public and private schools) that are selected by their strong moral compass and leadership skills they already possess. This is not a high-risk camp and uses school staff to recommend students who already show good leadership skills.

The School Resource Officers facilitate the camp and spotlight SWAT, CSI, Search and Rescue, etc. The common thread during the program is leadership and team building exercises. Campers participate in the regular camp activities like hikes and pool time, then evening lessons to focus on bullying and active shooter training.

Camp culminates with a graduation and often tears of appreciation for what they experienced during the week.

VA Rules Camp

Virginia Rules Camp is a law-enforcement themed day camp, held during the summer. This camp was launched by the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office in 2023, to give children another opportunity to engage with deputies. The camp is built around old-fashioned, outdoor summer fun, so kids enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and archery. Every day a lesson is taken from the Virginia Rules curriculum to teach students about Virginia laws and how to apply them in their own lives.

To learn more about the Virginia Rules Camp, click here.

Backpack Drive & Stuff the Bus

The backpack drive and stuff the bus events were launched at the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office in 2012.

Families in need of school supplies sign up to participate in the Stuff the Bus event, through the Department of Social Services. Social Services then give us the sign-up sheets and we get the supplies according to grade level of the students.

In 2016, we had reached a record high of students in need of supplies of 610. In 2023, over 1,000 students in need were provided with school supplies.

Participating in Stuff the Bus helps relieve pressure on family finances and establishes a rapport between children and deputies.

Special Olympics - Torch Run

Each year the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office participates in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The mission of the LETR is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics.

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office partners with other law enforcement agencies in Shenandoah County and the Shenandoah County Public School system to carry the torch through Shenandoah County with Special Olympic athletes and other students.

We invite the public to come out and cheer on the athletes as they run by!

Click here for more information on the Special Olympics Torch Run.