For information, or to register a child, contact David Weaver.
Co-sponsored by:
Cincinnati Police Department
Joy Outdoor Education Center
The Police/Youth "Live-In" program provides youngsters ages 10-12 and police officers a unique opportunity to foster understanding and build friendships and respect between the two groups. Not only is there a lot of fun – swimming, boating, archery, nature, games, arts and other camp activities – there are small group discussions and special police unit demonstrations. All activities provide opportunities for the officers and campers to engage in open and honest conversation, building trust and rapport along the way.
BRIDGES Police/Youth "Live-In" program exemplifies education, understanding and fun, for both police and children. By experiencing this program, the youth can visualize police as caring human beings.
Officer Eric Smoot, a 13-year counselor of this program
Campers and officers live, work and play together for five-days and four nights during the summer, coming to know and respect each other as friends during the week at camp.
10 Year Olds will learn about basic police work and focus on respect for self, others and their environment, both at camp and the communities in which they live.
11 Year Olds will learn more about specialized police work through special units demonstrations and focus on personal responsibility – making good choices both at camp and back home.
12 year olds will have an opportunity to "practice” police work during the week through a simulation such as a crime scene. Campers will be assigned various tasks needed to solve the crime, gaining a better understanding of what is needed for a community to work together to solve problems. Third year campers will also focus on personal growth.
Activities continue throughout the year as officers and youngsters regularly participate in a variety of activities including:
• Community service projects
• Several weekend programs at Camp Joy that further learning from the summer
• Involvement in Police Activities League programs
• Programs/activities determined by the officers and campers
Spring Reunion 2007 "CSI - Camp Joy"
Police Youth Live In campers from the summer of 2006 became “Officer Cadets” for a reunion weekend where they put many of the themes addressed at the summer camp and previous reunion in November into practice. The “cadets” investigated an incident that happened as they were arriving at Camp Joy and the officers served as their guides and mentors as they interviewed witnesses, shared information and worked the “community” to find the answers behind the uprising.
On Sunday, Cincinnati Police Department’s Crime Investigation Services, came to give the youth a practical example of what they do and help them solve the crime.
