COMOX VALLEY, B.C. – School District 71 and the Comox Valley RCMP are gearing up for next year’s Mountie Camp.
The camp is scheduled to run the week of April 28 to May 3, 2019 over at HMCS Quadra in the town of Comox.
According to the RCMP, Mountie Camp started in the 1990s and has run every two years since its inception. It’s offered to high school students in grades 10 through 12 from School District 71.
The camp gives them a chance to experience what it’s like to be an RCMP officer.
“Mountie Camp is not for the faint of heart – it is a grueling schedule which includes physical training, drill, scenarios, and theory,” read a release from the Comox Valley RCMP detachment.
“This community based program enhances the students’ self-esteem and leadership skills. Those who express an interest in Law Enforcement are given a chance to experience first hand what it would be like in the RCMP.”
Students can apply through their school career offices. Before being selected to be a part of the camp, the schools and RCMP conduct an evaluation process to determine if the student is eligible.
“Mountie Camp offered many opportunities to learn all about the different occupations within the RCMP – it was eye opening,” said former camp attendee Christina Matchett.
“My favourite part was working together as a group to overcome obstacles.”
The 2019 camp will be the 13th installment for the program. 19 Wing Comox provides the training facility and accommodation for students and camp volunteers.
Students are lodged in a dormitory style setting at HMCS Quadra, and stay at the base for the entire week.
The project is expected to cost around $15,000 from start to finish. Students typically pay a registration fee of $150 to help offset the cost of food and supplies, according to the RCMP.
To assist and donate towards the program, contact Randy James, Work Experience Coordinator at Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School, at (250) 334-4628 or via email at [email protected].
Further questions can be directed to Comox Valley RCMP Constable Monika Terragni at (250) 338-1321.
