The Pine Bluff Police Department’s second annual Police and Youth (P.A.Y) Day Camp kicked off Monday for 180 youth at the gymnasium of Southeast Middle School.
Children ages 6-16 gathered in the gym Tuesday afternoon to take part in various activities geared toward helping them grow and learn.
Sgt. Lynn Wright of the police department said that the program also helps to enhance his relationship with the community.
“Besides the field trips, bowling, skating, and swimming, the children also read and solve math problems every day,” Wright said.
Throughout the camp, the children participate in English composition, writing, and mathematics.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The reason for the day camp is to keep youth busy throughout the summer time so they can stay off the streets, Wright said. Participants also learn about respect and the dangers of bullying.
In addition, guest speakers visit the youth and discuss various topics from fire safety to the health.
The City of Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services staff brought out fire trucks and smoke houses to teach about fire safety while health department officials discussed health and wellness.
“There are different things for older children,” Wright said.
Younger children participate in presentations about respect and bullying while older children are informed about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases and crime.
Older children take a trip to the Arkansas Department of Correction to get a feel for what it could be like to be a prisoner and see how they would live if they were to commit a crime.
Other programs include choir, dance and drama and field trips.
Wright listed a few trips they plan to take this year which include visiting the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum as well as the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock. They have already been to the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System.
Several children said they were having fun.
Fifteen-year-old Jada Belcher said she liked having different things to do.
“It’s just a real different experience,” she said.
Belcher said she is most looking forward to the field trips.
Jamaal Foote, who is 10 years old, said he has been having a lot of fun. He said he really liked that he has learned more about academics and he is just looking forward to having a good time in the camp.
Tre’ Redus said he liked playing basketball the most during the camp and he is having a fun time.
Most participants are between 8 and 9 years old, although a few are teenagers. The program also has volunteers to assist with the activities and about 25 young adults were hired through the city’s summer youth program to help.
Staff member Kelsey Collins said he felt it was a great opportunity to meet new people.
“It’s just a real nice program,” Collins said.
Volunteers and staff help throughout the day with camp time activities and are asked to stay for at least four hours, however some stay longer.
Wright said that they have their maximum 180 youth participants this year compared to the 120 last year.
“Hopefully, we’ll get more children next year which means we’ll need more volunteers,” he said.
The P.A.Y Camp will continue through July 13, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided free. The camp is curriculum based and provides various crafts and recreational activities.
Parents pay a one time $50 fee and food and refreshments are free.