By Maddy Vitale
Sea Isle’s first-ever Police Summer Camp for middle-school age kids from the area began Monday.
And if the enthusiasm the kids brought was any indication, it is going to be a fun week, packed with activities from K9 demonstrations to a ride on a boat, surf lessons and trip to the Cape May County zoo and even ziplining.
From July 29 through Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 25 kids, accompanied by police officers and Cape Assist representatives, will see something new each day and in many cases try things they never have before.
On another day, they’ll head to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood for an outing of rides and attractions.
“What a great week planned for all of you. Remember to drink plenty of water and bring your sunscreen. It’s supposed to be very hot the next couple of days,” Sea Isle Police Chief Tom McQuillen told the kids assembled in the old school on Park Road.
The campers, along with officers and representatives from the Sea Isle City Police Department, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Cape Assist, joined together to go over some rules and to meet the adults and the other participants. They even played some basketball.
“There are a lot of activities. We want a good, fun week. The most important thing is to treat everyone with respect – no teasing,” McQuillen told the kids. “It is also important to stay safe and have a buddy system. If you have to use the bathroom, take a buddy.”
Jack Brogan, 12, and his friend, Aidan Ralph, also 12, both of Upper Township, couldn’t wait for the start of camp.
“I can’t wait for the boat ride and Morey’s,” Jack said.
Aidan said he is looking forward to the whole camp and then he did practiced some chin-ups with fellow campers.
And then it was off to the Cape May County Police Academy in Cape May Court House, where the campers would see K9 and SWAT demonstrations and have lunch.
Police Sgt. John Saltzman, the organizer of the camp, worked for over a year to make sure the camp was exactly what the department thought would be an engaging activity for the children, as well as a way for law enforcement to show kids how important it is to have a relationship with police officers.
The entire camp was funded through donations from businesses. Saltzman said it was the generosity of the community that made the camp possible.
“We had a lot of local support,” he said shortly before the campers began their weeklong camping excursion. “It was such a great community effort all around There was such an outpouring of support.”
The campers are all going into sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Saltzman said he selected that age group because it is an important time in the kids’ lives to have positive role models and influences.
And the campers are from all over the county including Ocean City, Upper Township, Lower Township, Middle Township, Marmora and Dennis Township.
LA Davis, a detective with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, said she was looking forward to spending a week with the kids.
She is going to focus her attention on the girl campers.
“I’m so excited about how many girls are here. The ratio is about half the campers,” she said. “In policing there is a misrepresentation of women.”
Sea Isle Capt. Anthony Garreffi called the camp a great idea.
“The kids look so enthused to be with us. It’s going to be a pretty neat week,” Garreffi said. “Sgt. Saltzman did an awesome job working on this camp for a year. He has it planned out minute by minute.”
Other law enforcement officials who are giving their time to attend the camp include Sea Isle dispatcher Grace Rutter, Sea Isle Sgt. Misty Elgersma and Patrolmen Josh Rinck, Cooper Gallagher and Rob Scarano.
Representatives from Cape Assist Joe Faldetta and Alana Kurtz are also attending the camp.
“The kids will learn some confidence building and decision making with the activities,” Faldetta, director of prevention at Cape Assist, said of why Cape Assist joined in the camp. “It is all about life skills. As part of the health community, we wanted to partner with the police department. It is all about youth being well and trusting in police and other adults in the community.”
The camp will culminate with a barbecue and games. Then on Aug. 6, National Night Out, there will be a camp graduation.
The major sponsors are 1st Bank of Sea Isle City and Smeltzer & Sons Lawn and Garden in Cape May Court House.
