This program is GREAT
By Melody Brown-Peyton
Published in News on July 25, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Christopher Phelps, 11, concentrates as he walks with a golf ball while competing in the obstacle course relay race led by the Goldsboro Police Department Emergency Response July 18 during the GREAT Camp. This is the first year of the camp that was free to participants. There were about 20 8- to11-year-olds that participated in the first week's camp and 15 12- to 15-year-olds signed up for camp this week.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Christopher Phelps, 11, concentrates as he walks with a golf ball while competing in the obstacle course relay race lead by the Goldsboro Police Department Emergency Response July 18 during the GREAT Camp.
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Evelyn Wagner, 7, walks through the obstacle course set up by the Emergency Response Team July 18 during the Goldsboro Police Department G.R.E.A.T. Summer Camp on the corner of Center and Spruce streets.
For the first time ever, the Goldsboro Police Community Police Services division is hosting a two-week summer camp for area youths.
The camp is known as GREAT, which stands for Gang Resistance Education and Training. The camp provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between the police department and the youth in the community.
Across the two weeks, 30 kids ranging in age from 8 to 15 years have taken part in an array of daily activities, while experiencing firsthand a portion of the work that officers do. The first week of camp was for ages 8 to 11, while the second week of camp was for ages 12 to 15.
Campers toured the Wayne County Court House, where they learned the ins and outs of the court system. They also toured the Wayne County Communications Center and saw how police and emergency personnel respond to all kinds of emergencies. In the mornings, kids took part in many different police activities, and in the evening, played games such as kickball and basketball, along with other physical activities.
"Our main goal for having this camp was to help enrich the lives of kids. This camp provides us with a wonderful opportunity to connect with the youth in our city," said GPD Cpl. Dillion Fleming, who works in the program. "During the school year, we do a number of activities with kids while they are in school and we just wanted to extend those same activities during the summer."
Part of exploring the day-to-day work of officers included a mock crime scene. Kids were provided with step-by-step insight and information on the ways a crime scene is investigated. Fleming said that they have received positive feedback from both parents and kids.
Many of the kids who took part in the camp, now say they are inspired to explore a career in law enforcement.
The camp, which wraps up on Friday, is one of several ways the Goldsboro Police Department is looking to connect with the community.
The police department is also inviting everyone to join them for National Night Out, which will take place on Tuesday Aug. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will take place at Herman Park, at 1101 Park Ave. National Night Out is a nation-wide event that promotes police and community partnerships. The annual event began in 1984 and provides an opportunity for the police and the community to come together.
Vendors are needed for the event. Anyone who would like to serve as a vendor is asked to contact Cpl. Andrew Neail at 919-580-4251 or Cpl. Marissa Davis at 919-580-4238.