Hiway16 Magazine... about people and places in north-central British Columbia, Canada

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Playing Cops at Camp

by Debi Osborne

Their dedication shows from the beginning. It's Spring Break and other teens are ripping up slopes on their snowboards, while these fifty students are climbing ropes and trying to walk fifteen metres with an 80 lb weight on their back.

They roll from their cots and are jogging by 6 A.M., knowing their friends are home sleeping until noon in cozy beds. They spend much of their day dealing with drunks, break and enter and weapon scenarios ... and they love every minute of it!

Year 2001 R.C.M.P. Youth Academy

(all photos courtesy of the Youth Academy)

Smithers recently hosted the 4th annual RCMP Youth Academy program - basically a work experience designed for students in Grade 11-12 that are interested in policing as a potential career. Even though it is not the easiest camp to sign up for, the list of candidates far outnumbers the selected.

Every applicant must submit to a Criminal Records Check, give two letters of reference (plus be recommended by school staff), and have good marks and attendance in all classes. A form asking why they want to take part in the program, and what they figure is the police officer's role in society is also to be handed in.

Classroom studies

But the largest deciding factor for selected applicants is that they pass the following physical test:

1. Run 1.5 miles in less than 15 minutes

2. Do 15 full-body push-ups in 60 seconds

3. Do 30 sit-ups in 60 seconds

4. Do 5 chin-ups in 60 seconds (2 for females)

5. Carry an 80 lb weight 50 feet.






copyright © 2001, Northwest Design, Smithers, B.C., Canada