Kops-N-Kids

In a joint effort with the local school districts 300 Sacramento area youth are selected each year to attend this week-long day camp. The camp utilizes law enforcement professionals, fire service professionals, educators and professional athletes to serve as instructors and role models for these youngsters. To date the camp has provided more than 4500 Sacramento youngsters with an opportunity to interact with positive role models within the law enforcement and fire service communities. The camp focuses on educating youth about the realities of drug use and gang involvement and the consequences of choices they make in life. The camp offers the youngsters an opportunity to learn about and participate in various team sports as a way of furthering their social skills while learning the importance of maintaining a drug and gang free lifestyle. The camp?s academic curriculum includes a gang prevention program sponsored by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms? Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T.). One day of the camp is traditionally designated as Law Enforcement & Fire Day. The purpose of Law Enforcement & Fire Day is to honor the courageous careers of Sacramento Valley area law enforcement officers and firefighters, who died in the line of duty during the previous year. This day affords campers an opportunity to learn more about the role of the various law enforcement agencies and fire departments within their community as well as interact with positive role models.

Traditionally, one evening is designated as "Family Night." Kops-N-Kids hosts a spaghetti dinner for campers and their families. This evening gives parents and siblings an opportunity to view a video of the weeks? activities and learn about the accomplishments that each camper has achieved. In addition, Guest speakers educate family members on the dangers of drug and gang involvement and the resources available within their communities to turn to for help.

It is our belief that in addition to enforcing the drug laws and attacking the supply end of the drug crisis, we need the support of the community to educate our youth, reduce the demand for drugs and provide them with alternatives to the dangers and consequences of drug and gang involvement. Together, we have a better chance of winning the war on drugs and gangs, while preserving the lives of our youth.