Lower Township Police Department Hosts 3rd Annual Youth Camp

ERMA – The Lower Township Police Department hosted its third annual police youth camp July 29 – Aug. 2.
The event kept the camp tradition of fostering positive, healthy, and fun educational interactions between law enforcement officers and local middle-school-age students.
 According to a release, “The week-long camp continues to be an incredible opportunity for our youth to directly engage with law enforcement officers in challenging environments. The camp encourages teamwork/building, consideration of others, problem-solving, experiencing new things, and most of all having fun.
“I’d like to thank the officers and employees of the Lower Township Police Department along with members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office who dedicated their time and effort to show a different aspect of policing that has a genuine long-term impact,” stated Police Chief William Mastriana. “These camps have left a lasting impression on the officers and children, building relationships and sharing experiences that will never be forgotten.”
Students who attended the camp focused on building self-esteem, working together, exercising good judgment, and improving communication skills. 
During the five-day program, these educational lessons concentrated on establishing life skills and long-term friendships.
This year’s camp included two days of interaction with other Cape May County law enforcement youth camps at the Cape May County Police Academy and Morey’s Waterpark and Boardwalk. 
The week-long camp activities included various police-type tasks, field trips, water sports, basketball, a scavenger hunt, museum tours, public safety location visits, familiarization with U.S. Army National Guard and New Jersey State Police equipment and personnel.
It also included a boat tour, kayaking, kickball, and a trip to a professional baseball game.
Also experienced were police K9 demonstrations, crime scene investigations, SWAT/Sniper demonstrations, and hands-on with fire safety equipment and personnel.
The camp ended with a graduation celebration and barbecue at the Cape May County Park and Zoo. 
A sixth, bonus day, was added to the weeklong camp this year with a Sunday trip to watch the Philadelphia Phillies play the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. The campers were featured on the JumboTron during the game.
 The organizers and campers would also like to thank the many volunteers and sponsors who donated everything from time, snacks, lunches, and funding for the activities, ensuring the camp’s success.