Toms River Youth Police Camp 2017: Photos, Video

TOMS RIVER, NJ — They rode in police cars and donned firefighters' gear. They took on the physical agility course and learned about some of the lifesaving techniques used by lifeguards.

And for a week, 50 Toms River youngsters got an inside look at law enforcement during the 2017 Toms River Police Youth Camp.

"It was such a great week for both the campers and the officers," the department said. "We could go on and on about all the awesome things they did and the bonds that were made."

The camp is a way for the department to give back to the community and give the children an inside look at law enforcement, the department said. Campers get to see and learn about specialized police equipment, learn self-defense tactics, and participate in physical agility exercises. They also have exposure to the motorcycle unit, an EMS ambulance, the SWAT team, fire suppression vehicles, obstacle course as well as taking a field trip to the Ortley Beach Lifeguard station.

The campers also took a trip to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and toured the historical displays as well as donning firefighters' gear and learning about what they do, and took a trip to Monmouth Regional High School to complete the ropes course.

The week ended with an obstacle course where the kids competed against each other. It included a simulation pepper spray and a course using the PR-24 and handcuffing techniques, and then graduation and a barbecue donated by the Toms River Police Foundation, the department said.

"It was hot, but not one complaint," the department said. "This is an awesome group of kids and we couldn't be more proud of their hard work this week."

The camp was run by Officer Pam Slaven and assisted by Detective Jen Grob, Officers Vinny Pedalino, Jason Stallworth, Ronnie Bayer, Brian Jarka, Mike Gallipoli and Class I Officer Jose Diaz. It was such a great week for both the campers and the officers. We could go on and on about all the awesome things they did and the bonds that were made, but we’d rather show you. Congratulations Police Camp Class #3 Graduates, we hope you had as much fun as we did!

“I want to thank a great team and this awesome group of 50 kids. They exceeded our expectations," Slaven said. "It was hot, but not one complaint. We couldn't be more proud of their hard work this week."

For photo gallery please click here. Watch the video below for more highlights.

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Photos via Toms River Police Department