An RCMP drill instructor got his charges marching in time, swinging their arms, and stomping their feet in Langley this week – but the trainees were a little young compared to the average recruit.
From July 8-10, 60 10- and 11-year-olds took part in the Langley RCMP Youth Camp at R.C. Garnett Demonstration Elementary.
Over the course of three days, the children learned marching the RCMP way, met numerous RCMP and police officers, and learned about everything from police helicopters to the bomb squad.
"A lot of them really love the police dog, the Emergency Response Team," said Const. Heather McLaren, head of the Langley detachment's Youth Unit.
Most of the officers helping organize the event were from the Youth Unit, but they also had support from Langley Youth and Family Services, and Langley School District Aboriginal support worker Sheila Jack visited and drummed for the children as well.
The youngsters got to meet bomb squad and ERT members, who explained their equipment and what they do, got to work with the Forensic Identification Section and learn about fingerprinting, met with the motorcycle officers of the Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU).
They even met members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who brought one of their light utility vehicles, a G-Wagon, to the school.
On Thursday, their last day, the students did a final drill event and got certificates and swag from the participating police units.
McLaren said that after the disruption of COVID-19, which stopped the annual camp entirely, it has returned on a somewhat smaller basis.
Previously, there were up to 100 kids involved, which was down to 50 the last time it was held. This time, there was room for 60.
"We are looking at making it bigger," McLaren said.
The event has run every other year in recent years, and students get a chance to sign up through the Langley School District in the spring.
