During the Easter weekend, three Powell River students participated in a challenging five-day RCMP Youth Academy boot camp in Gold River, BC. Hosted by the Nootka Sound RCMP detachment, School District No. 84 and the Nootka Sound Outdoor Program, 25 students from Powell River, Gold River, Campbell River, Zeballos and Tahsis experienced a taste of what it takes to become a regular member of the RCMP.
Each student was required to complete a full application process that included a stressful interview by the RCMP. The students were challenged on their critical thinking skills, judgment, ethics, communication skills, leadership potential and teamwork philosophy. In addition, students were also required to pass a rigorous physical abilities test.
Throughout the weekend students were provided an opportunity to experience police training and job functions of a regular member of the RCMP. This included conducting simulated arrests (with takedowns), investigations and presentations in a court of law. Students also got to see up-close the canine and aerial teams and special defence and weapons team.
However, no boot camp would be complete without an unrelenting drill instructor that ensured the students worked as a team in everything from marching to doing push-ups in unison—the master corporal will not be forgotten. “At the end of the weekend, students had a better sense of whether they wish to continue on to policing as a lifelong career or to pursue other professions in the law enforcement field,” said Paul Kutz, whose son, John, attended the camp. “Powell River should be proud of these students as they are becoming leaders and ambassadors for the community.”
The other students attending the camp were Kyler Williams and Brady Casparie
Kutz also said the students appreciate School District 47, the staff of Brooks Secondary School and Powell River RCMP detachment for their support.
