Middle Receives State Funding for Police Youth Camp
On May 19th, the Middle Township Police Department accepted a New Jersey Department of Law and Safety Grant for $8256 to help support the MTPD Summer Youth Camp. Approximately 500 local middle school students have graduated from the MTPD camp over the past seven years. The Township relies on annual grants, business sponsorships and individual donations to offer the week-long program at no charge to local students.
The Middle Township Police Department’s Summer Youth Camp is a community initiative designed to engage local youth in positive activities during the summer months. The camp offers a range of recreational and educational activities aimed at fostering teamwork, leadership, and social skills. The program is staffed by police officers and community volunteers, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for participants.
The annual camp features fun team-building activities such as laser tag, boat rides, and a trip to a water park. Representatives from Cape Assist, a Wildwood-based substance-abuse treatment and prevention agency, speak 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 by the Juvenile Justice Commission 2025 Summer Expansion Programming through the New Jersey Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Committee. The purpose of this initiative is to provide positive youth development activities to young people. This grant funding is specifically designed for current community-based program providers to expand existing programming in the summer months.
“We are excited to receive this continuing support from the State of New Jersey towards 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 contribution will facilitate our effort to ensure that as many of our kids as possible have the opportunity to participate in 2025.”
If you would like to contribute to the Middle Township Police Youth Camp, please contact Sgt. David Hagan 609.465.8700 ext. 1730
