Three-year-old German Shepard Nero helps catch the bad guy during a training session at the RCMP youth summer camp held at Cedar Secondary School from July 3-7. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

cop camp

‘A special opportunity:’ RCMP host youth summer camp in Cedar

Jul 4, 2023 | 4:29 PM

NANAIMO — Potential future RCMP officers were put through the paces at a youth police summer camp now underway in Cedar.

The camp goes from July 3-7 at Cedar Secondary School, allowing high school students the ability to get a taste of what life is like as an officer/first responder.

Cst. Samantha Caram with Nanaimo RCMP Youth Services said this camp is like a lighter version of their training academy depot in Regina, Sask. which all officers must attend.

“They do all sorts of stuff that we would do in training including drill class where they learn to march, learning about criminal offences and the law. They also get to do fun stuff like going out with the Marine section, have shows by our PDS unit, the police dog. We have our emergency response team come and do a presentation as well.”

Caram said this year they have 37 students attending, which is about the average size of their camp held every two years.

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She appreciates the effort and dedication put in by the kids they’ve seen so far this week.

“We have people that are interested in becoming a first responder in general, and some that just thought it would be a cool camp to attend. They do get some high school credit to attend… so it is a bit of a special opportunity.”

One student who attended the camp in 2019 went on to become a police dispatcher, while at least two other officer instructors also attended the camp in their youth, Caram noted.

Students learning how to use riot gear and police tactical equipment during the RCMP youth summer camp. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Local high schooler Tennison Paddison is attending the camp.

He told NanaimoNewsNOW he’s trying to figure out a career and felt this was a good opportunity.

“This seems like a good fit for me because I do like having a little bit of authority over other people. Usually don’t have a problem with people hating on me like the police are always having it happen to them.”

Tuesday’s lessons included learning about laws and charges, as well as a demonstration from the police dog in the afternoon.

“This is like a light depot which is the training for RCMP, and this is like a way easier way to just ease into it instead of just being thrown in there on your first day not knowing what to expect,” Paddison said.

Stefanie Kostano, 18, from Duncan was recommended for the youth camp by her Cadet instructors.

“I’ve been thinking about doing nursing, which is not related to this at all, but I wanted to get my hands in the field of almost anything that’s physically demanding because I want to do something while my legs are still young,” Kastano said.

She said a career as a paramedic is a possible fit for her as well.

“Gotta know if I’m mentally ready for it…listening to the other RCMP officers explain their stories and I’m like, ‘would I be ok in their shoes in that given moment?’ Maybe, I dunno.”

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