This summer the Boise Police Department (BPD) is hosting a summer program for youth. The three-week program is a partnership with the Boise Police Activities League (PAL) and focuses on life skills, character building, and opportunities to explore a variety of careers.
“We welcome the community’s support as we put together the 2023 SHIELD program,” said Captain Mike Ruffalo, Community Outreach Division. “Our School Resource Officers are working with PAL and local schools to organize instruction and activities and we are hoping to find even more ways for local businesses and organizations to participate.”
BPD first hosted this program in the summer of 2022. The program is called the SHIELD Academy which stands for the program’s core themes, Success, Helping, Innovation, Empowerment, Leadership, and Discovery. Last year, BPD School Resource Officers helped recruit students to attend and each day officers took the students on field trips and through leadership exercises. They hosted guest speakers and offered valuable lessons about job applications and building resumes. Representatives from local businesses also took part and joined to explain what they look for in quality employees. Some of the other activities included fishing, hiking Table Rock, ropes course, and tours of the Old Penitentiary, the Anne Frank Memorial, Boise State University, and more.
“The students who participated in the SHIELD Academy last year not only created bonds with each other but with individual officers and it is great to see those relationships continue today between the students and the SRO’s,” said Captain Ruffalo.
For the 2023 program, we will host 25 participants, ages 12-15. Participants will be selected through a referral process in partnership with local schools and the program will run from June 12- 29, 2023, Monday – Thursday.
Participate: Those looking to support the program are encouraged to contact tbrady@cityofboise.org or 208-570-6441.