Today’s students face dangers older generations could not have imagined. Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) was founded in 2003 by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association to address these urgent challenges.   
The mission of the CHAMPS Program is to provide an educational program for Georgia’s youth, which provides guidance, and the skills, ability, and knowledge to be safe, healthy, and happy, in preparation for a successful life.  
In 2005, the Appling County Sheriff’s Office implemented the Georgia Sheriffs Association C.H.A.M.P.S. Program for all fifth graders in Appling County.  This includes eight (8) classes in the Appling Elementary School, two (2) classes in the Altamaha Elementary School, one (1) class in the Fourth District Elementary School, and one (1) class in the Appling Christian Academy, for a total of over 265 students.  C.H.A.M.P.S. lesson plans are taught by certified deputy sheriffs who have successfully completed C.H.A.M.P.S. Instructor training.    Sargent Stacy Wilkerson has been the Instructor of the Program since 2014.