Boot camp for youths needs financial help

Another affected by Missouri's budget cuts is the National Guard's Show Me Challenge youth booth camp program in Nevada, Mo., on the western side of the state.

Although the program is closer to Kansas than to our part of the state, undoubtedly there are youths from Southeast Missouri who have received benefits. More than 800 cadets have graduated in just four years, teenagers who probably would have otherwise served time in jail or prison.

Instead, they went through the 22-week, voluntary program that gave them the opportunity to receive their general equivalency diplomas in a strict environment. Many of them have gone on to college and careers.

Missouri residents aren't ones to just let a good thing slip away. A grassroots effort to raise money began immediately after word came out that the camp was closing. Organizers are trying to raise $500,000.

Perhaps if it doesn't work out for this year, supporters can bring the camp back in the future. To donate, send checks to: Friends of Show Me Challenge Inc., P.O. Box 66, Nevada, Mo. 64772.