LYNNWOOD—Children, aged 11 through 14, interested in becoming police officers or just learn more about law enforcement in general should consider joining the Lynnwood Police Department for a five-day summer camp where they’ll learn safety tips, engage in team-building challenges, and develop leadership skills.
The camp will begin at High Trek Adventure (11928 Beverly Park Road) in Everett on Monday, July 20, for a team-building day including a high ropes course challenge. Then, students will learn about police science, work with K-9 units, and participate in SWAT team activities, among other things, at Meadowdale Middle School (6500 168th Street Southwest in Lynnwood) from Tuesday through Thursday. The camp concludes on Friday, July 24, at Meadowdale Middle School for a barbecue and award ceremony, which is open to the whole family.
Children (via parents/guardians) will be required to sign a waiver for the rope course.
Police Camp starts at 8:30 AM sharp, each day. The final day (Friday) ends at 2 p.m.
Those interested can apply to the Lynnwood Police Department, along with writing an essay highlighting why they want to join the camp and pledging a behavioral commitment to take it seriously. The application deadline is June 22, and the capacity is 36 kids, though approximately 20 slots have already been accounted for as of the publication of this article, according to the LPD.
The LPD will be prioritizing Lynnwood residents and students of the Edmonds School District, though children from other areas of Snohomish County could be eligible in the off chance all 36 spots aren’t filled. On the other hand, if the program reaches capacity the LPD will continue to accept applications to begin a waiting list in case of cancellations.
Throughout the program, children will be separated into six different groups and paired with two LPD Officers. Children are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing such as a T-Shirt, tennis shoes (no open-toe shoes), and slacks or shorts (no baggy shorts). Children are also encouraged to pack hats and sunscreen.
Morning snacks, lunch, and afternoon snacks will be provided by the LPD in addition to a souvenir Lynnwood Youth Police Camp water bottle.
The cost of the summer camp is $250, which goes towards offsetting the costs of t-shirts, sports packs, and consumable items used during the week. Full scholarships and half scholarships are also available. Those interested in applying for the scholarship will need to write a letter stating why the scholarship is needed and attach it to the application. Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis. Payments are to be paid in cash.
This will be the eighth year the LPD has hosted a youth summer camp. Lynnwood Police Officers and Department Administrators will be responsible for training and supervising the youth who are attending Police Camp each day.
The Lynnwood Police Department will not provide transportation to and from the camp locations. Parents will be responsible for dropping off/picking up their children at Meadowdale Middle School, or High Trek Adventure, respectively, at least 15-minutes before the 8:30 start time.
There is no after-school daycare.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
