Youth Leadership Academy Update and Graduation Invite

Good afternoon,

The Youth Leadership Academy has been running throughout the week and the recruits are enjoying the various activities and presentations that the officers, school district staff and community partners have presented.  

I have attached some photographs of the recruits during their second day after drilling and learning basic marching techniques as a group.  Our objective is to provide eight quality days of education and interactive group activities through a Police Academy format that teaches leadership and the importance of responsibility, accountability, dedication, self-discipline, teamwork, education and service to one’s community.  The week has been filled with various presentations, hands-on practices and other valuable team building activities to provide the recruits with the seeds to become leaders in their neighborhoods, their school and their community. 

Presentations include learning various law enforcement practices, drill and ceremony, crime scene procedures, K-9 capabilities, crime prevention lessons, safety lessons focusing on pedestrians, bicyclist and water,  nutrition, wellness, community policing and collaboration, substance abuse prevention, leadership, team building and community service. 

Next week, planned activities include a community service day at Elks Brox Park with the Outdoor Club, a rafting trip on the Delaware  River with the National Park Service and a local science teacher to learn valuable water safety skills and the importance of preserving our beautiful river valley and environment. 

This 8 day program is operated through Det Scott Robertson and the Juvenile Aid Bureau in collaboration with the City of Port Jervis, Port Jervis City School District, Port Jervis PBA and a host of community partner organizations and volunteers who generously donate their time and resources to this program.  A graduation ceremony is scheduled for this Friday (July 13th) at the Middle School at 3:00pm.  We would be honored if you could attend and watch our future leaders receive their certificates.  In addition, if you have a little spare time, stop by the Middle School throughout the rest of the week between the times of 8am-3pm to meet the recruits and observe the benefits of this successful program.  Please follow our Facebook page as we will continue to post updates through the rest of the week.

I would like to personally thank you all for your valuable partnership and support for providing the resources to facilitate this community based program and build responsible leaders in our community.