C.O.P.S. Kids Camp helps kids of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty connect with others & heal

EAST TROY -- It has been a tragic summer for law enforcement officials across the country. When officers are attacked and killed, oftentimes, a parent is taken away from their children. Each summer, families impacted by a death in the line of duty come to East Troy for a very special summer camp.

Wednesday, July 27th was "law enforcement night" at the Salvation Army's Army Lake campgrounds, as part of C.O.P.S. Kids Camp.

Adam Roberts

Among those enjoying the festivities was 10-year-old Adam Roberts.

"You go to one activity, and then we`ll go off to the next one, and then we`ll go back to the flag pole," Roberts said.

This is no ordinary summer camp. Every child in attendance at the camp has lost a parent in the line of duty.

"Before he left I would hop on his gun belt and just say 'bye,' because he was so tall," Roberts said.

Tampa Police Corporal Mike Roberts

Cindy Roberts

"My son was three when his dad was killed," Cindy Roberts said. "My husband is Tampa Police Corporal Mike Roberts. He was killed in the line of duty in August of 2009. There was a suspicious person and he stopped to question them. And an altercation ensued, and he had a large bag full of rifles. And he had a gun that was hidden in his belt."

The "Concerns of Police Survivors" or COPS summer camp includes children from across the country -- each with their own unique story of heartbreak.

Children attending the camp range in age from six to 14 years old. They are accompanied at the camp by a parent or guardian.

C.O.P.S. Kids Camp

It can be difficult to explain to others how these children feel on a day-to-day basis.

But not at COPS camp.

"We all want to feel like we belong. And this camp gives these kids that opportunity -- to be normal in their own respect and in their own way," Cindy Roberts said.

C.O.P.S. Kids Camp

It's a place where kids who have lost so much, can simply have fun, connect with others who have been through what they're going through, and feel like a kid again.

C.O.P.S. Kids Camp is free, thanks to donations.

C.O.P.S. Kids Camp

More than 300 people are attending this summer.

CLICK HERE to learn more about C.O.P.S. Kids Camp, or to make a donation to the program.