Camp COPS

Recently, a conversation with a few Maryland State Police officers reminded me of the saying, “It’s a small world”. Our conversation focused upon an upcoming summer camp for kids these troopers call “Camp COPS”, being held at King’s Landing Park July 16 – 20, 2012.

In an actual training camp that simulates the same courses state troopers are required to complete before they serve the public, youth experience a brief study of the physical training, self discipline and courtesy each trooper undertakes in one week.

Each camper is instructed by troopers who know the value of reinforcing good choices and giving direction to those who choose the right path to follow.

The concept for this camp is to instill in the minds of youth that the police are truly interested in their well being and not interested in arresting them. The police realize that the greatest natural resource is the youth, for the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. They are doing their part to close any gaps between young people and the police by effectively putting to use the Police-Community Relations aspect of preventing problems before they develop.

The camp is an opportunity to provide youth with a positive attitude toward the law enforcement profession, while building self-confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, self-respect and respect for others.

The efforts of many dedicated volunteers and state and local law enforcement personnel, these and other similar programs continue to be a positive experience for all involved.

At the conclusion of this rewarding program, each camper participates in a graduation ceremony. These camps have even sparked the interest in following the career choice of those law enforcement personnel who prove to be a positive influence in their life.

So, you wonder how the conversation about Camp COPS made for the assertion that, “It’s a small world”?

Today’s children have their own challenges, debatable if on par with the social unrest, violence and disrespect for law enforcement that was prominent during my youth, the late 1960’s.

Facing challenges during those days, now Retired Trooper Albert R. Vish, Community Relations Officer of the Pennsylvania State Police, along with Troopers John Prandy (deceased) and Robert Price (retired), conceived of an opportunity called Camp Cadet, first held in 1970, and then turned their vision into reality for youth to participate in a program that removed false images of law enforcement.

The creation of Camp Cadet became a model for other states with the Maryland State Police Barracks U, Prince Frederick, Calvert County, adopting the Camp Cadet model creating in 1998, Camp COPS.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, I was a year too old to attend the first Camp Cadet, but the following year and for several years served as a camp counselor and staff officer. Imagine my surprise when I learned that camp for which I devoted much time and energy in the 1970’s later became the model for our own Camp COPS here in Calvert County.

I predict the graduating ceremony for Camp COPS this year will be unique and memorable.