SAVANNAH, GA. (May 11, 2015): Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Youth Summer Camp, set to begin on June 8 for boys and June 15 for girls.

The four five-day camps will take place at Savannah State University’s Police Headquarters. SCMPD’s Juvenile Officers launched the camp under the direction of Maj. Richard Zapal to develop rapport between youth and law enforcement officers early in life. Campers will learn skills in character building, goal setting, decision making, crime reporting, stranger danger and self-defense. Learning strategies will include guest speakers, field trips and hands-on activities. Youth also will be exposed to many aspects of college life with support of SSU.

The camp targets children ages 8-14 at risk of engaging in criminal activity or facing economic challenges at home. All Chatham County children meeting the age requirement are invited to attend.

Each camp will run Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Beginning at 8 a.m., children can be dropped off at SSU Police Headquarters, at 3219 College Street, in the Hubert C Building.
Applications are available at all SCMPD precincts, police headquarters and online at scmpd.org/youth-summer-camp/. The application deadlines are June 5, for boys and June 12, for girls. The SCMPD Youth Summer Camp is free of charge.

Families are invited to attend a summer camp informational on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Squad Room at SCMPD Police Headquarters, at 201 Habersham Street. SCMPD staff will be present to answer all camp-related questions. Applications can be completed and turned in at that time.