Cape Assist’s Youth Police Camps wrap up another successful summer

WILDWOOD, NJ – This summer, Cape May County first responders hosted a series of youth camps sponsored by Cape Assist and held in partnership with local law enforcement agencies. Nearly 200 youth participated in these free camps, which are designed to build resiliency among youth and foster relationships with law enforcement within the community.

For the past 7 years, these police-lead youth camps have been held throughout Cape May County, providing an enriching and engaging way for youth to connect with law enforcement officers and trusted adults in their own communities. An important part of the lessons taught to youth during the camps include activities and excursions that held build cognitive-behavioral skills that enhance self-esteem, decision-making, problem solving and critical thinking.

“We know that the relationships formed at these camps are having a lasting impact on youth who are giving back to the community through their experience,” said Cape Assist’s Temerity Berry, who also oversees the Police Youth Camps. “We are incredibly grateful to each and every first responder who not only puts their safety on the line every day but who also volunteer time out of their summer to make a difference in the lives of these youth.”

For several years, Cape Assist has supported the Lower Township Police Camp through a Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant which was attended by 58 youth this summer. During the end of July into early August, Lower Township youth had the opportunity to go on field trips to some of Cape May County’s most well-known attractions including Morey's Pier and Seashore Sun Retreats Campground.

With the goal to build relationships between law enforcement and youth, Lower Township Police Camp also works to strengthen Cape Assist's Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition's (LTHYC) partnerships with Township Police, Township of Lower, Lower Cape May Regional, and other community partners. LTHYC focuses on the trusted adult as a powerful protective factor for building youth resiliency. As a municipality-level coalition, the camp serves as one of many connection points with trusted adults within the community.

An important goal throughout the camp is teaching youth how to cope with anxiety and stress. This was put into action during a dolphin watching outing and excursion which provided a valuable lesson for students on confronting their fears. Many students expressed concern over becoming seasick while on board the boat, however, instructors helped the youth implement various coping strategies to deal with their anxiety during the excursion including singing, deep breathing and other calming activities.

Taking place during the end of July, the Middle Township Police Camp was attended by 67 youth participants with six peer leaders who assisted with camp operations. For the past seven years, the Middle Township Police Camp has provided an opportunity for youth throughout the township to create relationships with members of their local municipal police department. With the goal to provide a building block for relationships to grow among the police department and the youth and families in Middle Township, the camp serves as a chance for police officers and youth to interact in a meaningful way.

This year, as part of a camp excursion, 8th grade students and peer leaders traveled to Washington D.C. to the National Law Enforcement Memorial to honor police officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, youth participants visited the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Vietnam Memorial providing an enriching and educational experience.

“These students need a positive influence in their lives and this camp gives them that. It makes them more familiar with officers and lets them see us in a different light,” said Sgt. Dave Hagan, who oversaw and coordinated the camp for the first time this year. “Our focus is on building relationships, as many of these students might not otherwise get that one-on-one experience with law enforcement outside of this opportunity. It’s especially rewarding for me, as I know many of these kids - they’re the same age as my children. Seeing them engage with law enforcement like this is great.”

Sgt. Hagan discussed his first experience with coordinating the MTPS camp, “Everyone truly comes together for the youth from finance to other agencies like fire rescue, Cape Assist, the prosecutors – there’s a lot of moving parts. It was a very eye-opening experience. For everyone involved, it’s truly rewarding.”

During the week of July 15, youth interested in the field of criminal justice had the unique opportunity to be a part of the Cape May County Prosecutors Police Camp. This included 20 campers, five peer leaders and two junior counselors. Participants in the camp had the chance to attend various trips and excursions including an exciting outing on a speed boat in Ocean City, and trips to various Cape May attractions including the Aqua Park and the new Get on the Bit Farm. The youth also had the chance to enjoy ziplining and a beach day in Strathmere. One of the highlights for campers included a game of laser tag with the Cape May Couty SWAT Team – who were defeated by the youth. During the camp, attendees were able to overcome their fears, learn new skills and make friends and lasting relationships with law enforcement officers.

As the third year in operation, the Upper Township First Responder Camp is held in partnership with Upper Township EMS, the Cape May County Sheriff's Department and Cape Assist. At the end of June, 30 Upper Township youth could participate in various activities including trampoline and aqua parks, a speed boat ride, and various first responder demonstrations. Each day, the camp began with a lesson designed to foster resiliency among the youth and offer important lessons on decision making, goal setting, effective communication, managing anxiety, and self-esteem building. Upper Township first responders worked with the youth throughout the day to reinforce these lessons during their camp activities. With the goal to build confidence in youth, the Upper Township First Responder Camp also works to strengthen relationships among the community and demonstrate their dedication to the health and safety of local youth.

During the end of July into early August, 51 youth participated in the Wildwood Police which featured a series of excursions to local attractions including the Sun Retreat Seashore Campground, Morey’s Waterpark, Jellyblasters, Splash Zone, and Funcity Adventure Park. Participants, which included mostly female youth, also had the opportunity to see a Police K-9 Demonstration and participate in laser tag.

Cape Assist and local law enforcement groups will continue to sponsor and participate in the police youth camps again next year. For more information on getting involved or how to donate, go to CapeAssist.org.