Toms River Police First Annual Youth Camp

It's summertime and school is out, so what are the kids doing? Well some go on vacation, some go to Grandma and Grandpas, some go to camp and some just do nothing. Not the kids I saw today!

Forty of them were in a brand new program: The Toms River Police First Annual Youth Camp. The camp exposes boys and girls in grades sixth through eighth to all aspects of police officers as well as a modified version of a police academy boot camp. They attend classes, go through obstacle courses, and receive K-9, SWAT, motorcycle and police emergency vehicle operation demonstrations throughout the week.

I got the chance to witness a little sample today. I watched Officer Charles Grainger give a demonstration about being in the motorcycle unit.

I also got a glimpse of a State Trooper helicopter landing in the field. These kids were LOVING every second of it!

This year the program was advertised on The Toms River Township Police Facebook page and website. Next year all applications will be reviewed and the top 40 will be selected.

Personally, I wish I had something like this when I was younger. I always wanted to be a detective (and still do). Maybe if I had a program like this I would be today. Who knows. Talk to your kids, see what they think, give them something to strive for, something to work towards. "Our Youth of Today are the Future of Tomorrow "

A HUGE Thank You to ALL of our law enforcement and may Saint Michael watch over you all! Stay safe!