Program promotes discipline, teamwork
BY CAROLYN P. SMITH
News Democrat
EAST ST. LOUIS --
--Police are looking at least 50 youngsters to participate in a weeklong, highly structured residency camp June 13-18 in Springfield.
Team Illinois Youth Police Camp, sponsored by the Illinois State Police in conjunction with the East St. Louis Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department and other local agencies, serves youth ages 13-15 who are at risk from drugs, gangs, violence and other societal pressures, said Francella Jackson, director of community programs for the East St. Louis Police Department.
Jackson said the camp, held at the Illinois State Police Academy, will focus on "positive youth development and will follow the military model of discipline."
"In addition to paramilitary drills, physical fitness exercises and team-building principles, the camp will also offer classroom instruction on drug abuse prevention, gang resistance education and other life-enhancing skills," she said.
Participants, called "cadets," will be introduced to the philosophy of teamwork, commitment and pride. They will take part in friendly competitions exercises in settiing goals to develop a sense of accomplishment.
Camp participants will have the opportunity to engage in a mobile-ropes course, first-responder training, health and hygiene. They will learn about the duties of a police officer and what the coroner's office does.
Members of the tactical response team will discuss what they do. Terminal railroad police, forensic experts, and former gang member Michael Chatman are part of the camp experience, Jackson said.
The camp is specifically designed for young people with extensive disciplinary histories and those who have demonstrated a lack of success with multiple interventions at the home and school.
"The camp is beneficial to young kids in the metro-east area because we provide structure, team-building and leadership skills that they need," Illinois State Police Sgt. John Merrifield said. "This is the third year for the camp. Ten students who attended the camp last year will be coming back as peer mentors and the new kids will be able to see what the camp has done for them."
At the end of the camp, participants will get awards and have a graduation ceremony.
Contact reporter Carolyn P. Smith at csmith@bnd.com or 239-2503.
