Eugene Police offer summer programs for pre-K, tweens, teens

With the end of the school year, the time to think about summer day camps has arrived! Three exciting, low-cost options are the Eugene Police Department’s Youth Academy (age 15–18), Police Activities League day camp (age 8–13), and Safety Town child safety education program (age 5).  Registration is underway, so sign up now!  Registration packets are available online.

Youth Academy:

Participants in the Youth Academy, a citizens' police academy for high-schoolers interested in learning more about police work, will learn about a variety of assignments within the police department such as the K-9 unit, SWAT, violent crimes, bomb squad, motorcycle traffic enforcement, and forensics, as well as visit the 9-1-1 center and the Juvenile Justice Center. Students will learn some defensive tactics and be given instruction on emergency vehicle operation—and actually drive a police car on the Emergency Vehicle Operations course (EVOC) for a full day. It’s a great week of learning and interactive fun!

The Youth Academy will be held July 14–18, running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Eugene School District students may be eligible for a quarter-hour course credit. Applicants must be at least 15 years old and a currently enrolled high-school student or 2008 graduate, possess a valid driver’s permit or license, and pass a criminal background check. Applications and the $45 registration fee must be received by June 27.

Eugene Police Activities League (EPAL) Camp:

Eugene Police offer an annual day camp for youth between the ages of 8 and 13. This unique summer camp is designed to offer opportunities for youth to have a wide variety of new experiences, from organized competitive sports and recreational activities to arts, educational and social skill development programs. In this incredible week of action-packed fun for kids, police officers will mentor youth and participate in games and activities. Middle school– and older elementary–aged youth will enjoy summer activities and structured and personal guidance in a safe, friendly environment.

EPAL Camp will run July 21–25, from 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. each day, at the Arts & Technology Academy (formerly Jefferson Middle School), 1650 W. 22nd Avenue. The application deadline is July 16, but early sign-up is encouraged. Support from the police department allows this program to be offered for a low registration fee of $50, making it one of the most affordable summer camp options in town! 

Safety Town:

In August, the police department will partner with the Eugene Kiwanis Club to offer a two-week safety education program for children entering kindergarten this fall. Safety Town is a nationally recognized, comprehensive program that introduces young children to safety awareness and accident prevention through hands-on safety education. The Safety Town program teaches life-saving lessons on pedestrian, bicycle, school bus, poison, basic fire, vehicle passenger, water and basic home safety. Teaching tools include a child-sized town complete with streets, crosswalks, stop signs and traffic signals. During the program, participating children will get to explore a fire truck, police car and school bus.

Safety Town will be held August 11–22 at Prairie Mountain School on Royal Avenue, running from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. each weekday. Spaces are limited to children who will be enrolling in kindergarten for the 2008–09 school year, with preference given to residents of Eugene and Springfield. There is a $25 registration fee for this popular two-week program. The registration deadline is July 31, but parents are encouraged to apply early to ensure there is space for their children.

Volunteer opportunities for teenagers:

These summer camps also offer outstanding community-service and resume-building opportunities for teen volunteers. Adults and teens age 17 and up may apply to volunteer at EPAL camp (July 21–25)—contact Sergeant Mike Galick at mike.a.galick@ci.eugene.or.us or 541.682.8189. Teen volunteer instructors between the ages of 13 and 18 are needed to help with Safety Town (August 11–22)—contact Sergeant Lisa Barrong at lisa.r.barrong@ci.eugene.or.us or 541.682.8248.

How and when to apply:

Information and application packets for each program will be available on the Eugene Police website, at any Eugene Police station, or by mail or email upon request from EPD’s School Resource Team — call 541.682.8189.