Burnaby RCMP congratulates 2024 Youth Academy students

Burnaby

2024-03-27 11:42 PDT

The Burnaby RCMP would like to congratulate the 25 students who took part in this year’s Burnaby RCMP Youth Academy.

Led by Burnaby RCMP’s Youth Section, the five-day academy gives students a unique and up-close behind-the-scenes look at many aspects of policing.

The program is designed for Grade 11 and 12 students from schools across Burnaby interested in developing leadership skills or who may have expressed interest in law enforcement in various capacities. This year is the second year Burnaby RCMP has hosted a Youth Academy.

Classes and workshops at the 2024 Youth Academy included:

Law
History of the RCMP
Fitness
Defensive tactics
Mental health
Traffic Services
Drill

Students also had presentations from the RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit, Integrated Police Dog Services, Forensic Science and Identification Services, and Recruiting.

A youth academy student wearing a bite sleeve beside a police dog and police officer in a green uniform

We had a focused and motivated group of students who remained engaged and inquisitive throughout the week, no matter how difficult the challenge or task. The presentations from our internal units and partner agencies were a huge hit, as they allowed the students to explore some of the technology and techniques used by police in various sections across the RCMP, said Sgt. Kelly Basi with Burnaby RCMP’s Youth Section.

The academy culminated with students putting their investigative and note-taking skills to the test during scenario-based training, and then a drill performance in front of family and friends on the final day of classes.

These students chose to spend a week of their Spring Break in a learning environment, and we are very proud of how much they were able to accomplish over the course of the week, said Chief Supt. Graham de la Gorgendiere, Officer in Charge of the Burnaby RCMP.

Connecting with youth is a priority for the Burnaby RCMP and the Youth Academy is a great way to strengthen those connections while helping these students grow as young leaders, no matter which career they choose to pursue, he added.

Two youth academy students and a police officer in casual clothing smile beside a police SUV outdoors A police officer in a white shirt stands beside Andy Bates with a certificate of appreciation indoors

The Burnaby RCMP would like to thank local McDonald’s franchisees Andy and Jas Bates for sponsoring this year’s Youth Academy. The funding they provided included four educational bursaries, which were awarded to students during the class graduation ceremony.

In addition, the Burnaby RCMP would like to thank the Burnaby School District for the use of its facilities.

Four Youth Academy students smile beside two RCMP members, the Mayor of Burnaby and a City Councillor inside a school gymnasium

In their own words: Students reflect on their experience at Burnaby RCMP Youth Academy

This year, the Burnaby RCMP asked the 2024 Youth Academy students to reflect on their experiences, including what they learned and the challenges they overcame throughout the week.*

Bentleigh, Grade 12:

During the course of this week I really developed my personal responsibility skills in drill, scenarios, and fitness. I’ll be taking a lot of discipline away from the academy… It has reminded me of my overall personal goals in life, armed me with more knowledge, gotten me closer with my troop members and made me love my country even more.

Nicholas, Grade 12:

The most challenging part for me was fitness. I overcame challenges with the support of others. Everyone was cheering each other on, including staff and other cadets. This camp definitely improved my desire to work in law enforcement. It showed me how many different careers there are and how each play a role in protecting the peace in society.

Olivia, Grade 11:

The situations helped me build confidence and showed me my capabilities. I really enjoyed the presentations, especially forensics, traffic, and police dogs (and of course the youth unit). I also loved drill…. I definitely developed a better understanding of my physical limits. I have learned to push myself. I have found a huge amount of confidence in my abilities and understanding of what it means to be in law enforcement.

*Some answers have been edited for length and clarity

A group of Youth Academy students smile in a school gymnasium