40TH Annual Youth Camp Enrolls Teen Participants at the Illinois State Police Academy Springfield – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Recruitment Office announced plans for its 40th annual American Legion Youth Police Camp (ALYPC) at the ISP Academy, June 24-29, 2012. Dozens of aspiring young teenagers from across Illinois will report to the ISP Academy in Springfield to gain firsthand knowledge and training of a para- military environment. The week-long residency camp is structured to promote educational and learning opportunities for youth in the areas of law enforcement, cultural diversity and awareness, personal development, physical fitness training, and social and interpersonal skills. Volunteers, ISP officers and command personnel are assigned to the program and serve as instructors and mentors to the youth. Many of the ISP volunteers are former graduates of the program. The primary purpose of the ALYPC is to establish an interactive and positive relationship between the youth of Illinois and law enforcement officers. “This program is an excellent way for young people to express ideas, learn about responsibility and self-confidence,’ said American Legion Commander David Hicks. “Our partnership with the ISP Recruitment Office and the Illinois State Police enables us to provide a structured environment for youth so that they have an opportunity to objectively learn about the daily responsibilities and dangers officers are confronted with in keeping communities safe,” he added. After completion of the program, a graduation ceremony will honor the graduates with a certificate of attendance. Every year, the application process opens in May. Teens are still encouraged to apply and attend the 2012 ALYPC for a worthwhile learning experience. The American Legion will be accepting applications until Saturday, June 23, 2012. For more information, please contact Ronald Payne at 217 773-2080. Any additional information about the ALYPC program, please contact Trooper Natasha Lawson from the ISP Recruitment Office at 217-785-4370. Camp applications are still available online at: http://www.illegion.org/forms/2012%20Youth%20Police%20Brochure.pdf | 
