Fredericton Police Force hosts 8th annual Kids and Kops camp
The Fredericton Police Force is hosting twelve children for a five-day summer camp this week.
In its eighth year, Kids and Kops is an opportunity for kids to learn about policing and have some fun.
"It's all about creating those positive memories with the kids," said Const. Duncan Lombard of the Fredericton Police Force.
"There's a lot of negativity around the job we do every day and this just enables us to show a more positive side, a more human side, to what we do," he said.
Tuesday morning the emergency response driving simulation found the campers - or junior officers as they're called - in police cars riding in the passenger seat, weaving through an obstacle course with sirens blaring.
"There was so much noise. It was so fast — everything was going on," said 10-year-old Jordan Brooks.
"It was crazy," said her fellow junior officer Mohammed Elbakush,10. "I kept on moving back and forth."
Brooks, Elbakush and the other children are selected by community groups, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Mary's First Nation, the Boys and Girls Club, and the multicultural association.
"They're community groups that are well established and they have a better idea of the kids that they serve," said Lombard.
"They're the ones that know which kids would benefit the most from a camp like this."
Syrian sisters inspired by police
This year that includes two sisters from Syria.
Cyrine Khaddan, 9, and Mariya Khaddan, 8, arrived from Syria over the winter, where they said they had no contact with police officers, but are warming up to them quickly here.
"They're nice, I like them," said the elder Khaddan, who thinks police are a good idea and even wants to be one one day.
"Me too," her younger sister chimed in.
A week full of fun
The camp runs until Friday, when junior officers will receive badges and certificates to commemorate their week.
Before then, the camp will take the junior officers to the fire department, help them solve a crime and even take a criminal to court.
Also in the mix — a movie, some bowling and possibly a visit to a water park.
