A week shy of returning back to school, several children got to go fishing and bowling with law enforcement officers.

Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes said several of his deputies as well as troopers from Georgia State Patrol, and officers of the Hinesville Police Department, Fort Stewart Game Warden Office and Fort Stewart Military Police all got involved.

"I came to the realization that there are a lot of kids that don’t get to do anything throughout their summer vacation," Sikes said.

He said he wanted to offer the children some fun activities creating fond memories the children could share with their friends and family.

This past week the 13 kids got a chance to go fishing and bowling. LCSO Capt. David Edwards said it was the first time bowling and fishing for some.

Edwards said Walmart donated funds allowing the LCSO to buy rod and reels that the kids got to keep. Sikes added he was grateful to Hampton Island and developer Ronald S. Leventhal for allowing the children to fish there.

The children were also treated to hot dogs and hamburgers after fishing.

Sikes said Fort Stewart Game Warden officers brought out hunting decoys and talked to the kids about hunting and safety issues.

Sikes said his deputies taught the kids about law enforcement. The children got to sit inside patrol cars and operated the lights, sirens and radio.

"It turned out to be a real blessing for all of us and I know it was for the kids," Sikes said. "Seeing the guys interact with the kids…it was amazing…this won’t be the last one…I promise that…just seeing the gleam in their eyes…the excitement of catching their first fish…then taking them bowling…it was off the charts in my book and a blessing all the way around."