Mauldin Police Youth Academy — Is It Right For My Child?

For the past six years the Mauldin Police Department has held a summer program known as the Police Youth Academy.  The Police Youth Academy (PYA) is filled with children ages 11-14 who are from Mauldin and the surrounding Greenville County area.  The PYA is funded through the police department’s general budget and is FREE to participants.

Each year the department receives multiple phone calls about the PYA.  Questions like “How can I get my child signed up?” are easy to explain, but there are misconceptions about the program. 

Is the PYA for just for “bad children”?   In March of each year applications for PYA are made available through the school district and the Mauldin Police department.  While some participates may be referred by guidance councilors and school SRO’s the majority of our applications come from parents or relatives who want their children to experience public service. 

Is this a summer camp?  No, you would be hard pressed to find a summer camp which demands the amount of involvement required in the PYA.  Should your desire be to get rid of your child for three weeks…the Mauldin Police Youth Academy probably is not suited for your child.  Emphasis is placed on development, discipline, and responsibility. 

Is it 100% free?   Monetarily speaking yes the PYA is free, but it is not “100% free”.  Academy students must participate in all activities, have excellent attendance while in the PYA, and comply with instructions provided by the PYA staff. 

Will my child have to exercise?   Yes. Daily instruction will be given in physical education and will include running, PT exercise and formation drills.  First responders and EMS are on hand to deal with any emergency situation that may arise as a result of injury or fatigue.

The PYA will run from 8am – 5pm (Monday-Friday)

Girls PYA is scheduled for June 10- June 28, 2013

Boys PYA is scheduled for July 22- August 9,2013

More detailed information about the 2013 Police Youth Academy can be obtained at the Mauldin Police Department or from the Police Department website http://www.mauldinpolice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Police-Youth-Aca...