INDIANA—For more than 50 years, the Indiana State Police has offered youths an exciting, up-close look at law enforcement and the criminal justice system through its youth camps. These camps help students gain respect for themselves and others through programs that demonstrate the rewards of hard work and dedication.
Camps are held at universities around the state and offer young people a unique glimpse of campus life. Each program includes well-balanced meals and comfortable sleeping facilities. Camp staff are hand-picked law enforcement personnel who are committed to preparing today’s youth for their futures.
Since 1970, the Indiana State Police have offered thousands of young people an exciting, up-close look at law enforcement and the criminal justice system through youth camps. These camps help students gain respect for themselves and others through programs that demonstrate the rewards of hard work and dedication.
Currently, the camps are supported by funding from the American Legion, Indiana District Optimists, Indiana State Police Alliance, Indiana Troopers Youth Services, and Lions Clubs of Indiana. However, ISPs still need funding to allow youths who cannot afford to go to camp to attend cost-free.
A Look at the Camps…
Law Camps
Law Camps give students entering the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades a behind-the-scenes look at the criminal justice system. This four-day co-ed camp offers an advanced look at law enforcement through field trips, exciting demonstrations, motivating programs, and hands-on learning. Campers meet peers from around the state, participate in recreational activities, and leave with a greater understanding of the police field and forming friendships to keep as they grow.
The Law Camp Cost Is $150
Career Camp
Like the Indiana State Police Academy, Career Camps give high school students an in-depth and hands-on law enforcement experience. Campers get to experience some of the same things that officers do during their careers by utilizing many of the same experts that train our own Troopers. Additionally, campers will create friendships with other campers across and/or outside the state!
With this five-day co-ed Career Camp, high school youth get to discover what it takes to be a Trooper, experience many other specialties within the law enforcement field, and other civilian positions that translate into experience outside the law enforcement field. During this five-day experience, campers will be involved in a wide range of instruction, from conducting a crime scene investigation to speaking with Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Fire Departments, Federal Agencies, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges. The Indiana State Police will have presenters and demonstrations from many of the specialties available to you as a Trooper to include, but not limited to: SWAT, K-9, EOD (bomb squad), Scuba team, Tactical Intervention Platoon, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Defensive Tactics and Firearms, just to name a few!!
The Career Camps cost $250
Junior Pioneer Campouts
Unlike the leadership camps, the Junior Pioneer Campouts are explicitly designed for students between 11 and 14 who need a structured program with close supervision. Group homes, welfare departments, law enforcement agencies, probation departments, or school counselors may recommend young people for campouts. These co-ed campouts are held at state parks and allow campers to prepare meals, set up campsites, and explore the outdoors. Additionally, campers receive one-on-one time with law enforcement officers, helping develop and inspire a more positive outlook for the child’s future and creating friendships and bonds with other campers.
The Pioneer Camps cost $100
The Shield Project
Designed to sharpen the life skills of those who attend, the Shield Project is an opportunity you do not want to miss. This project will be challenging, but the reward awaiting that challenge’s end is abundant. This project consists of teaching blocks and hands-on learning opportunities with ISP personnel that will allow the participant to understand what it takes to become a police officer. The goal is to allow participants to be more successful, whether they decide to enter the law enforcement career or not. This five-day, co-ed course was developed through a collaboration between the Indiana State Police, ITYS, and Anderson University. It will be a structured learning environment geared towards public safety, but with an emphasis on self-improvement. This experience will be like none other – the chance to have a first-hand look into law enforcement through a hands-on training approach, where you can assess your future career options in policing and its related fields. Limited scholarships are available – interested parties should write a 500-word essay explaining their background, why this camp is the right opportunity for them, and how the camp will benefit from their presence. The essay must be submitted within two weeks of submitting your application. Once the ITYS board makes a determination about your essay, you’ll be contacted. If you are planning to write an essay for payment, please type “possible scholarship” in the Check # Mailed / Sponsored By line. Spaces are limited, and must be 18 or older.
The Shield Project cost $250
