Dozens of Paterson children are spending summer weeks learning from police officers, taking field trips and getting hands-on exposure to parts of the department many residents rarely see.
The Paterson Police Community Affairs Anti-Violence Program is hosting two weeklong summer sessions this year — about 40 campers in July and another 40 in August — offering free programming for youth ages 9 to 17. The program, funded through a state anti-violence grant, combines recreation with educational outreach and has been operating under Police Community Affairs since 2018 after earlier runs through Camp Hope.
What the camp provides
The camp schedule mixes lessons and activities with trips to destinations that may otherwise be out of reach for some families. Campers this summer have visited or will visit locations including Nickelodeon Universe, New York City, local bowling alleys and fishing spots. Participants also meet officers from specialized units who describe their responsibilities.
- Two sessions: July and August, ~40 children each
- Ages served: 9–17
- Funded by a state anti-violence grant
Officers said the program’s main goal is to strengthen trust between the department and the community by showing young residents another side of law enforcement.
"The reason why summer camp is important is because you basically unite the kids, their families and the department all together," said Officer Tyquan Greer, who helps oversee the program. "They get to see us in a positive light. They get to understand we're normal people."
Greer added that the camp helps bridge divides some community members feel with law enforcement. He said the experience allows children to view officers as approachable people rather than only as the ones who make arrests.
Learning about police work
Beyond recreation, the camp expands educational contacts with the department. This year’s curriculum increased opportunities for hands-on learning: officers from the Emergency Response Team, dispatchers and narcotics detectives have visited to discuss their jobs and demonstrate equipment and procedures appropriate for youth programming.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sessions | Two (July, August) |
| Participants | About 80 total; ~40 per session |
| Age range | 9–17 |
| Funding | State anti-violence grant |
For families, the program offers supervised activities and free outings during summer break. For the department, it is a sustained effort — in place for several years — to build relationships with young residents and their families through positive, educational interactions.
Organizers said the mix of fun, trips and departmental exposure aims to leave participants with new skills, broader experiences and a clearer sense of how to interact with police in non-confrontational settings.
