MIDDLE AWARDED STATE GRANT FOR POLICE YOUTH CAMP
On May 6th, the Middle Township Police Department accepted a New Jersey Department of Law and Safety Grant for $9,161 to help support the MTPD Summer Youth Camp. Around 450 local middle-school students have graduated from the MTPD camp over the past six years. The township relies on annual grants, business sponsorships and individual donations to offer the weeklong program at no charge to Township students.
The annual camp features fun team-building activities such as laser tag, boat rides, and a zip-line course. Representatives from Cape Assist, a Wildwood-based substance-abuse treatment and prevention agency, talk to the campers about making healthy decisions. Physical training is also a daily part of the program. The experience is designed to develop communication, empathy, generosity, leadership skills and, of course, teamwork.
The grant was awarded through the Juvenile Justice Commission 2024 Summer Expansion Programming. The purpose of this initiative is to provide positive youth development activities to young people. When schools are closed, our youth need opportunities to grow, learn, and have fun. This grant funding is specifically designed for current community-based program providers to expand existing programming in the summer months.
“We are excited to announce this important contribution to the annual funding for our Police Youth Camp,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “The camp would not be possible without the generous support of our many local sponsors. This additional funding will facilitate our effort to ensure that as many of our kids as possible have the opportunity to participate in 2024.”
If you would like to contribute to the Middle Township Police Youth Camp, please contact Sgt. David Hagan 609.465.8700 ext. 1730
