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Anchorage schools use Camp Hosts to help curb vandalism
ANCHORAGE, AK (June 19, 2002) — Vandalism can be a problem for school districts during the summer months when school facilities are closed for the summer. According to Stan Syta, Director of Operations for the Anchorage School District, one way to curb vandalism is to make school parking lots available to recreational vehicles through a "School Ground Camper Host Program."
"The program provides a great community service by meeting the needs of all parties involved," said Syta. "The Hosts get a free place to park with utilities and we get their watchful presence at school locations. Hosts can even pick a school for the view of the ocean or for its proximity to family and friends in the community."
The following is a list of the responsibilities of school ground Camper Hosts:
1. The Camper Host resides at the school facility assigned to them, for a period of time agreed to by the Camper Host and the School District. This could be for as little as a few weeks or an entire summer.
2. The Camper Host’s duty is to report any actions or presence of others that may result in vandalism to the property.
3. There will be one or two Camper Host parties at each facility. Where there are two, coordination between parties allows each the opportunity to make short trips to areas outside the Anchorage area for fishing, sightseeing, etc., without interrupting school site coverage.
4. School property is to be kept clean and free of liter. Pets are allowed with prior approval.
5. Camper Hosts do not have access to the schools or surrounding buildings.
The District provides water, power, weekly sewer service, and a cell phone to notify police or District security should the need arise.
"Having watchful Camper Hosts at our facilities deters many vandals," said Syta. "When vandalism does occur, our Camper Hosts report the problems quickly and we are able to respond to correct the situation."
According to Syta, the Camper Host Program has paid off on the first day at several schools this summer. Most recently, after arriving at his school, one Host reported water gushing from inside a wall. "I’m not sure how long that leak would have continued otherwise, but the quick reporting of our Camper Host allowed us to fix the problem before a great deal of water was lost and more serious problems resulted."
The Anchorage School District comprises some ninety school facilities from Peters Creek to Girdwood, Alaska. Not all would be appropriate as Camper Host locations, but the majority would. The Camper Host Program runs from June 8 through September 2.
To read a newspaper story about this program visit http://www.msnbc.com/local/KTUU/M195823.asp
To inquirer about becoming a Camper Host this summer or next contact:
Stan Syta, Director of Operations
1201 LABAR STREET
ANCHORAGE, AK 99515-3516
Phone: (907) 348-5122
