Metro Police and YMCA team up to host fall break camp for MNPS students
Around 100 MNPS students are at Camp Widjiwagan in Antioch for a week-long day camp filled with activities, mentorship, and skill development.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - In a joint effort to foster positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee are partnering to offer a unique experience for students during fall break.
The initiative, a part of the Nashville Police + Public Safety Alliance, brought 100 Metro Nashville Public School (MNPS) students to Camp Widjiwagan in Antioch for a week-long day camp filled with activities, mentorship, and skill development.
The camp is aimed at connecting kids and police officers in a positive setting. MNPD Chief John Drake, who reintroduced the Police Activities League (PAL) in 2022, said it’s important to give children a chance to see law enforcement in a different light.
“Our job is not always viewed in a positive light,” Chief Drake said. “[This week at camp] is a great opportunity for them to see us helping with sports, activities, and just being role models.”
The camp, which runs from Monday to Friday, provides a break from the regular school environment for 8- to 12-year-old students. Campers participate in activities including fishing, archery, climbing, and arts and crafts. In addition to the YMCA’s staff, volunteer police officers are on hand, engaging with the students and acting as mentors.
This collaboration is part of a broader effort by the Nashville Police + Public Safety Alliance, a nonprofit formed to bring together different community entities to improve public safety. By partnering with organizations like the YMCA and reestablishing PAL, the goal is to reduce youth victimization, crime, and recidivism, particularly during school breaks when concerns tend to be heightened.
John Mikos, president and CEO of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, highlighted how special this opportunity is for many of the students. “Some of these youth may have never had the chance to experience something like this,” Mikos said.
Throughout the week, campers are also offered a special soccer clinic hosted by Nashville Soccer Club.
Chief Drake noted that providing these kinds of experiences not only offers new opportunities for kids but also gives them positive alternatives and helps build their self-confidence. “As a kid, I never had this opportunity,” he said. “This is a chance to come out and just see and do a lot of great things.”
Learn more about Camp Widjiwagan and its opportunities on the website.
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