Wilmington Scouts Inspired at Spirit of Adventure Council's Base Camp

Wilmington youth and public safety leaders were among those participating as The Boy Scouts Spirit of Adventure Council held its second annual Law Enforcement Explorer Day at New England Base Camp. Several law enforcement and public safety agencies supported the Spirit of Adventure Council Explorer Program providing local youth from the towns of Wilmington, Methuen, Westwood and Winthrop with hands-on training and experience that inspires them to seek careers in law enforcement. Scouts had the opportunity to participate in various police and first responder activities such as live crime scene search, live motor vehicle stops, emergency first aid training, live arrest and search, and a show and tell of vehicles and personnel from Boston Police, Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, Winthrop Police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Massachusetts State Police, U.S. Coast Guard, and more. At a time when police across our nation are subject to an increasing level of negative rhetoric, the Spirit of Adventure Council Explorer program provides young people with a realistic understanding of the profession, hands-on training, and inspires the best and brightest youth to seek careers in law enforcement.

“I retired after 33 and a half years with the Winchester Police Department and I was a Law Enforcement Explorer myself as a kid. That gave me the tools to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. 33 and a half years later I retired as The Advisor of our program and all the young people who went through the program have gone on to do great things in the community. This is a great opportunity to meet people and learn how to save lives", said Law Enforcement Explorer Day Chair Dan Perenick. "If they are considering a career in law enforcement or a career as a first responder, this event is an experience that they are going to want to be a part of."

Explorer Day was an enriching experience for all the youth who participated. Participants went home with new skills, new friends and a full stomach as Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott and his team grilled burgers and hotdogs for the participating youth. In addition to law enforcement and safety tactics, the Explorer Scouts were also provided with tutorials on rope climbing, archery, and more.

“Exploring is something we focus on deeply in the Spirit of Adventure Council”, said Boy Scouts Spirit of Adventure Council Exploring Executive Komba Lamina. "Part of our explorer program experience is to open up our youth to different career fields such as law enforcement and find out what interests them."