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It is the desire of Georgia’s sheriffs to see children participate in healthy activities that are drug-free, non-violent, and promote safety. Although these types of educational programs currently exist in school systems, most are rigid and do not allow flexibility in the topics offered. For example, gangs may not be an issue in a rural county, but do pose a huge problem in a metro county. However, because gangs is part of the required curriculum, it had to be taught and could not be substituted with a topic pertinent to that county.

In 2003, numerous sheriffs through the state encouraged the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. (GSA) to develop a flexible health and safety educational program that could be taught in local schools. GSA solicited the assistance of deputies experienced in K-12 classroom instruction to develop and implement an educational program. This team of deputies representing eight counties and GSA staff met to discuss this important issue. After many months of intense planning and development, the program C.H.A.M.P.S., or Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety, was conceived.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. lesson plans contain objectives that should be met in each class. However, these lesson plans are not comprehensive, requiring instructors to conduct research to ensure he/she is knowledgeable in each area. It shall be the responsibility of each sheriff that chooses to utilize this program to ensure his deputies are providing accurate information to the students in a professional manner.

It is the desire of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. and all persons involved in this project that this program be used statewide to prepare children for a successful life. They are our future.

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