COURT HOUSE – Middle Township honored each of the employees and law enforcement officers who encouraged teamwork and good citizenship through the Middle Township Police Department Youth Camp.
During an Aug. 7 Township Committee meeting, camp mentors received Middle Matters Awards for their work with 70 campers this summer.
“Each officer and staff member deserves individual honors because their personal interaction with young people in our community is what makes this program so special and successful,” said Mayor Tim Donohue.
Around 450 local middle-school students have graduated from the MTPD camp over the past six years. The township relies on annual grants, business sponsorships, and individual donations to offer the weeklong program at no charge to families.
The annual camp features fun team-building activities such as laser tag, boat rides, and a zip-line course. Representatives from Cape Assist, a Wildwood-based substance-abuse treatment and prevention agency, talk to the campers about making healthy decisions. Physical training is also a daily part of the program.
Sgt. Ron Miller, who runs the Youth Camp, said the experience is designed to develop communication, empathy, generosity, leadership skills, and of course, teamwork.
“They helped one another continually throughout this camp without any hesitation. I’m very proud of them and what they have achieved,” Miller said at the campers’ graduation ceremony during National Night Out on Aug. 1.
The camp provides two-way advantages, said Police Chief Jennifer Pooler.
“The camp not only benefits the youth but provides our police officers involved in the youth camp with opportunities to act as mentors and positive role models. By interacting with young people outside of enforcement situations, officers can showcase their human side, helping to dispel negative stereotypes and perceptions,” she said. “The camp also provides officers with opportunities for skill development in leadership, communication, and community engagement.”
Members of the Cape May Prosecutor’s Office and Cape May County Sheriff’s Department also participated in the camp.
Township employees played a big role as well. Accounts Clerk Betzy McClintock interacted with campers and attended events, and Director of Grants and Economic Development Nancy Sittineri coordinated the logistics for all the field trips and secured camp funding, as she has for the past five years.
Sittineri seeks grants to help cover the $30,000 annual operating cost of the Youth Camp. The state Juvenile Justice Commission contributed $8,000 this year, and the Impact Club of Cape May County, a philanthropic group, donated $10,000. The Township is “beyond appreciative” for the community donations that are needed to sustain the program, Sittineri said.
Individuals and businesses can contribute to next year’s camp by mailing a check made out to “Middle Township Police Youth Camp” to 33 Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 in care of Sgt. Ron Miller.
Pooler said the investment pays off for the whole community.
“By investing in the youth camp, our agency can work toward creating safer, more understanding communities with empowered and engaged youth.”
