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RCMP give Alberni youths the boot this summer

Alberni youths in Grade 11 and 12 who want to join the RCMP get to experience the real thing this summer at a special boot camp.

Youths in Grade 11 and 12 who are thinking about joining the RCMP have a chance to experience the next to best thing at a special boot camp coming to Alberni this summer.

Alberni RCMP Sgt. Kevin Murray made the announcement at Port Alberni city council's Monday meeting.

The camp will be held from July 2-5 in Port Alberni and is open to open to 12 youths – six males and six females - in Grades 11 and 12.

Camps are held in other B.C. communities where troupes are bigger. “But they have more resources to draw from,” Murray said.

Candidates will be screened for suitability just like in the RCMP, Murray said.

The students will live together at a local facility and will undergo training similar to that at the RCMP depot in Regina. Students will also be exposed to the types of work done by different sections of the RCMP, Saskatchewan, Murray said.

The RCMP is underwriting the tab for the project this year out of the community policing budget,and students will be provided with meals clothing, Murray said.

If the program is successful, there is the possibility that it could be turned into a credit course at the high school, he added.

According to the RCMP, application packages will be available starting April 1 at School District 70 career centres as well as the RCMP office on Morton Street.

reporter@albernivalleynews.com