June 5, 2008 – Applications are available for the Police Athletic League Summer program in St. Croix district and St. Thomas-St. John district. P.A.L. is a police and community-sponsored juvenile crime prevention program offering recreational, educational, cultural and social programs to youth ages 6 to 16, while strengthening the bond between the police officers and young people, according to a press release from the Virgin Islands Police Department.
Acting Commissioner Novell Francis Jr. encourages parents to sign their children up for the program. "Studies show that youth who interact favorably with police officers gain an early respect for the law and this contact lessens the chances of them being involved in criminal activity in the future," Francis said.
P.A.L summer camps applications are now available from any police station. You can also download the application from the police Web site at www.vipd.gov.vi. Registration begins June 16 at the campsites located at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School on St. Thomas, Burning Bush in Watergut, Christiansted, and Estate Whim in Frederiksted. A $100 per child fee includes lunch and insurance. The camps will be held weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include academics, games, mechanics, arts and crafts, field trips and lots more.
The program is run by police officers and civilian personnel. The youth enjoy a variety of programs that instills in them good health habits, good sportsmanship, high morals and civic standards.
For more information on the summer program or to sponsor a child, call the CrimePrevention office at 774-2211 on St. Thomas and at 773-6393 or 712-6080 on St. Croix.
