April 21, 2020
Olympia – Due to the current circumstances and with the health and safety of those involved being the biggest priority, the 43rd Annual Kiwanis Camp scheduled for August has been cancelled. This decision was not made easily and the staff and volunteers who make this event happen every year are disappointed, but understand the need for social distancing and reducing the spread of Covid-19.
Kiwanis Camp is an opportunity for Washington State high school juniors and seniors with an interest in law enforcement as a career to have an opportunity to spend a week during the summer learning about the roles and job opportunities within law enforcement.
The purpose of the camp is to provide selected high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore various job opportunities in the law enforcement field. Students are given a hands-on experience on the WSP drive-course and tactical firing range and will get to work with forensics, SWAT, communications, K-9 and many other police functions. Additionally, students will have exposure to law enforcement problems and challenges officers encounter on a daily basis and to show how to successfully handle situations in a professional manner.
Police departments from around the state provide officers as staff members to instruct and serve as counselors. Guest speakers from various agencies provide first-hand information to the students. This gives the students a variety of experiences and exposure to federal, state, county and local law enforcement as a possible career path. Many students who attend this week-long camp go on to have careers in the criminal justice field.
The organizers are excited to begin planning for next year’s event.
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