All That The Summit (NJ) Police Department Summer Youth Academy Has To Offer

The Summit, New Jersey, Police Department is renowned for many things but particularly for the extensive lengths its members go to make sure that citizens feel safe and the opportunities they offer the community. The Summit Police Department Summer Youth Academy provides youths within the area an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a police officer. Modeled after the Police Academy curriculum, youth cadets in the program undergo drills and training not only from the police but also from the K-9 Unit, Bomb Squad, and S.W.A.T. Team. 

How It All Started 

The program, which began in 2005, was devised by a group of Summit Police Officers “with a goal of bridging the gap between law enforcement and our young adults,” says Youth Academy Director, Officer David Kotiga. The goal of the summer camp was to create a positive experience while educating kids on everything that a Police Academy recruit would experience. The program has stayed true to its original goals throughout all eighteen completed seasons.

Over the years, several officers have been in charge of the camp. With about 5 to 10 officers and nearly triple the number of campers, the officers are always busy. Each one is given a different job and plays an important role. It is because of these dedicated officers that the camp has been so successful.

There are many other youth police academies in the state of New Jersey, so the Summit Youth Academy does what it can to stand out. When asked about how Summit’s Youth Academy differentiates itself from others, Officer Kotiga said, “The Summit Police Youth Academy Program has been tweaked and molded through experimentations of different formats - after nineteen years we have settled on the formula that works best. However, similar to law enforcement, the program is and always will be evolving and changes will be implanted when needed.” The Academy continuously adapts to ensure the children get the most out of their experience.

While the program is centered around law enforcement, the goal is not necessarily to spark an interest in a future career with the police department. Completing the camp instills a sense of pride in children for their achievements over the week, fostering a positive relationship with law enforcement that could benefit them in the future.

The Summit Police Youth Academy kicks off its new season during the last two weeks of July. With a limit of 30 students per session, totaling 60 campers across the two one-week programs for 6th-9th graders, the officers ensure a positive and impactful experience for each participant.

The Typical Routine

Each day of the week has a different agenda though a few of the main activities stay the same. A typical day consists of drill instruction, marching, and a guest speaker from either the K-9, Bomb Squad, Drones, or S.W.A.T. teams. The special activities change daily and often include an obstacle course, a wall-sit challenge, and a tour of the Rescue Team helicopter. Throughout the week, officers also set up a crime scene for the children to solve, helping them develop new investigative skills.

While having fun is important, the officers maintain strict discipline and expect to be taken seriously. Each morning, the children arrive in uniform, practice marching throughout the day, and conclude by marching out to greet their parents, saluting the officers. It's common to hear the children respond to commands with a firm, "Sir, yes, sir." 

By the third or fourth day, the officers do ease up, and most children are able to successfully complete the program. However, though it is a rare occurrence, some cadets do try to leave camp. Officer Kotiga says that it is imperative that “the cadets push through if the word ‘quit’ enters their mind.” The officers teach the cadets resilience and determination, creating a positive and strong mindset that will last the children a lifetime. While the officers all agree that Day 1 is the hardest, once “the foundation is set” the week is no longer stressful and is overall a worthwhile and formative experience. At the end of the week, the cadets take part in a special graduation ceremony where they receive certificates and participate in an awards presentation. Honors are given to the best investigator, the fastest cadet on the obstacle course, and the cadet most likely to become a police officer.

The Community-Wide Impact

After completing the camp and graduating, cadets walk away with valuable experiences. Beyond recognizing officers in town as familiar, friendly faces, they also leave feeling like improved versions of themselves. They’ve overcome challenges and emerged stronger, having learned key values the officers instilled in them, including “honor, dedication, commitment, courage, respect, pride, and teamwork.”

One cadet said that the camp “taught important life skills.” It’s no wonder most campers return for the following year. 

The Summit Police Department Summer Youth Academy offers a lot, from the dedicated officers leading the program and the fun activities, to the valuable lessons that will stay with the children for a lifetime.

The mayor of Summit, Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, believes that the cadets learn important “lessons of integrity, discipline and determination which will enable them to be successful in any future endeavor.” While the unique activities certainly add to the experience, the real takeaway from the youth academy are the lessons that the cadets will carry with them, no matter what path they take in life.