Does Your Teen Need an Attitude Adjustment?

If you have a teenager who talks back, is disrespectful, fails to follow rules or only thinks of themselves, the Waukee Police Department says it might be able to help.

The department is again this summer holding a Character Building Academy, according to a news release.

Participants will spend five hours a day for 10 days taking part in military-style physical and mental challenges designed at developing leadership and character in youths, the department said. The physical activities are combined with classroom sessions to help youths "understand our country, our communities and our families," the news release said.

Both boys and girls ages 12-17 can attend, and in past years the academy has made exceptions for 18-year-olds and 11-year-olds who are going to be 12 soon, said Lt. Troy Mapes of the Waukee Police Department.

The session for boys runs from June 3-14, while the program for girls runs from June 17-28.

The cost to attend is $85, which includes pants, shirt, hat and all materials. Mapes said the department has a scholarship program for families who can't afford that fee.

Instructors include officers and deputies from the Waukee Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, with Sheriff Chad Leonard and Mapes acting as the lead instructors.

The challenges are designed to push teens so they gain a better understanding of themselves and life. "Getting them to understand that hard work and service to others is important and that they shouldn’t depend on someone else to take care of them," is a goal, Mapes said.

To apply, send an email to tmapes@waukee.org or call (515) 987-1073.