Over 60 children from the Township of Hamilton summer camp traded a regular day at camp for an interactive visit to the Cobourg OPP detachment.
The community engagement event brought together the Northumberland OPP, Hamilton Township Fire Department, Correctional Service Canada and other public safety partners for a day designed to help young people build positive relationships with the people and organizations that serve their community.
The children were given a behind-the-scenes look at the detachment, along with the opportunity to see specialized vehicles, equipment and public safety units up close.
But the day also included a mystery.
The Case of the Missing Freezies gave children the chance to work together, gather clues and use basic investigative skills while moving through the detachment and interacting with officers and staff.
Provincial Constable James Clarke, the media and community engagement officer for the Northumberland OPP, said the event was designed to break down barriers and create positive memories for the children.
Children also had the chance to see ATVs, motorcycles and other vehicles, while Correctional Service Canada brought its canine unit and a prisoner transport vehicle.
Clarke joked that the dog was one of the day’s biggest attractions.
The emailed information provided by the OPP said the larger goal was to give young people an opportunity to see police officers, firefighters, correctional staff and other public safety professionals as approachable members of their community.
It also emphasized that positive interactions at a young age can have a lasting impact and help children understand that emergency services personnel are there to help keep their communities safe.
The event was supported by the OPP Youth Foundation, whose funding helped with the day’s activities, including transportation and food.
Hamilton Township summer camp director Marni Lammers said the success of last year’s event made bringing it back an easy decision.
Lammers said parents also shared positive feedback about the hands-on activities and opportunities for children to see how emergency services operate.
The day was also an opportunity for the agencies involved to strengthen their own community partnerships.
Organizers said they hope every child left with a better understanding of the people and services working to keep their community safe and with a few positive memories from solving the Case of the Missing Freezies.
