INTRODUCTION The 2017 Law Enforcement Explorer Academy is a weeklong residential career education program providing Explorers with practical, hands-on law enforcement and life-skills training. The academy is presented in a structured and highly disciplined environment, much like that found in police and military recruit training centers. Officers from area law enforcement agencies, along with staff from the Camp Tanah Keeta and Gulf Stream Council Learning for Life office, provide instruction and supervision. The academy planning committee has designed an educational, challenging and fun experience for the Explorers. The program includes regular physical training drills each morning. There will also be demonstrations and classroom instruction on police related topics. Participants will explore the many duties of the law enforcement profession and its different specialty units. Explorers should expect many physical and mental challenges. The academy will also encourage and develop positive decision-making skills. These will be taught through scenario based training opportunities and experiential learning. Explorers can expect to rise each morning at approximately 5:30 a.m. and retire at about 9:00 p.m. each night. The days are full and active. They are also very hot, so participants are continually encouraged to drink water, which will be in ample supply. Participants should also be prepared to protect themselves from bug bites and sunburn. There is a health lodge on the premises to provide first aid for minor injuries. Participants will utilize the buddy system and NO EXPLORER WILL GO ANYWHERE BY THEMSELVES. This will be a realistic training experience. The academy is modeled on military style boot camps. Drill instructors will interact loudly with the participants and full participation is expected from all who attend. There is a two-tier program at the academy. First time attendees will be placed in the Level I group with a basic curriculum. Graduates of previous years programs will be placed in the Level II group with a more advance curriculum. Explorers who successfully complete the academy will be recognized at the graduation ceremony with a certificate and a citation ribbon to wear on their uniforms. One Explorer will be chosen for the Outstanding Leadership Award selected by the Senior Drill Instructor of the Academy. In addition, one Explorer will be chosen for the Warrior Award selected by the Directors of the Academy. REGISTRATION The academy is limited to 80 participants. All participants must be registered Explorers from currently chartered posts. Registration will be on a first come, first served basis. There is a $130.00 participation fee for each youth participant. Fees cover the academy s cost for food, camp fees and supplies. Posts may secure their reservation with the full payment of $130.00 per participant on or before June 14, 2017. Registration fees received after June 14, 2017 will be $180.00 per participant. There will be no refunds after June 21, 2017 and no registrations will be accepted after June 27, 2017. Registrations and participation fees must be turned in together. Your post is not registered until the completed registration packet and all fees are paid. MEAL PLAN Explorers will eat meals in the camp dining hall or other facility provided by academy staff. Participants with dietary restrictions should note them on the registration form. Explorers with extensive dietary needs will need to provide their own pre-packaged meals in containers labeled with their name and post number. Contact Director Jason Sharon or Co-Director Roxanne Bourbonniere if you have any questions regarding dietary issues. If meals can t be provided, camp will not be able to accommodate your Explorers needs.
VISITORS There are no facilities at the camp to allow parents or children not enrolled in the Explorer program to camp or stay overnight. Explorers not enrolled in the Academy, may not come to the camp as a spectator. If a parent/guardian must contact their Explorer, please have them do so via his/her Advisor. If you come to the site, please check-in at the drill instructor hut, prior to entering the camp's grounds. All approved guests will be given academy wristbands to wear while on site. If you are not wearing a wristband be prepared to be challenged. This is for the protection of the Explorers and Staff. PETS AND CAMP WILDLIFE There is wildlife at the camp. Do not harass, feed or handle the animals. No pets are allowed at the camp. HEALTH & PERSONAL HYGEINE All participants must submit completed Learning for Life medical forms and parental consent forms. In the event of emergency, these will allow academy staff to authorize medical treatment. Restrooms and showers are available at the camp. Explorers are responsible for bringing their own personal care items and medications. Each Explorer is expected to maintain healthy hygiene throughout the week. Showering daily is required! UNIFORMS Except for physical training and other specified activities, the required academy uniform is the issued T-shirt, which is included in the participation fee, and BDU-style pants approved by the participant s post and supplied by the Explorer. Explorers will be issued five T-shirts and a cap at check-in. A minimum of 3 BDU style pants are required for each Explorer. All BDU pants are required to have the Explorers full name printed legibly on the inside of the BDU s. NO INITIALS. Adults who would like an academy staff shirt should include an additional $4.00 ($7.00 2XL), per shirt, when they register. ADVISORS All posts will have an Advisor at camp at all times while their post is participating in the academy. Advisors will approach Drill Instructors in charge of their Explorers, to obtain permission to speak with or remove their Explorer from their assigned team. Any issues or concerns regarding discipline or treatment of Explorers must be addressed with Director Sharon. If necessary, SDI Moore or SDI Nash will be informed of your concerns and addressed accordingly. Advisors will be assigned duties throughout the week to assist with maintaining camp functions. Please bring at least one teaching lesson with you. There is a possibility that you may need to teach if we have any unexpected cancelations. Advisors must be available at all times, via telephone, while at camp. It is the Advisor s responsibility to assure the Explorers of your post needs, are addressed at the end of each night. ALL Advisors are expected to assist with the day to day activities, while at the academy.
WHAT TO BRING Explorers 1. Completed and signed Medical Release, Academy Registration Forms and a copy of Insurance information 2. BDU-style pants (Minimum of 3 BDU s required. Tan will be cooler for the Explorer) (No camouflage) 3. Athletic shorts for PT each day (6) 4. Underwear for one week 5. Athletic shoes and proper socks for each day 6. Swimsuit 7. Shower Towel and Pool Towel 8. 2 bed sheets 9. Pillow 10. Pillowcase 11. Blanket 12. Toothbrush 13. Toothpaste 14. Soap 15. Deodorant 16. Feminine hygiene products 17. Insect repellant 18. Sunscreen 19. Shower shoes / flip flops for pool 20. Additional casual clothing, sleepwear, light jacket, etc. 21. COMPLETE Class A uniform FEBREZE is highly recommended *Any Medications should be left in original packaging and given to the medical staff at registration. Inhalers may remain with the Explorer* Please ensure that your supplies will last seven days. The camp cannot provide supplies to Explorers. Also, Explorers will have limited space in which to store personal property. One duffle bag or suitcase is recommended. A hang up garment bag is necessary for Class A uniforms. WHAT TO LEAVE HOME Each Explorer s bag will be searched for unauthorized items. Should the Drill Instructors or Advisor s discover any of these items, they will be confiscated and delivered to the appropriate Post Advisor for safekeeping. Neither the Gulf Stream Council nor Learning for Life will be responsible for the loss, breakage, or theft of personal items. Cell Phones I-pods Gameboys or other electronic games CD players Illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco products Weapons, firearms, fireworks, explosives Any item which endangers the health and safety of others Jewelry of any kind (including ear rings) Watches Portable clocks Sunglasses (Unless medically necessary or prescription) Playing Cards Food of any kind If it runs on batteries or needs an electrical outlet to be charged...do NOT BRING IT!!!!!!!
REGISTRATIONS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE FOLLOWING CODE OF CONDUCT SIGNATURE PAGE AND COPIES OF EXPLORER S INSURANCE CARDS LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER ACADEMY CODE OF CONDUCT Posts must adhere to Learning for Life, Youth Protection Guidelines. Explorer posts and their chartered organizations are responsible for their Explorers. All posts must provide a registered adult leader to be on site at all times while their post is attending the academy. Drill Instructors, Advisors and Council Staff will be responsible for maintaining discipline, security and the academy Code of Conduct. Explorers will set good examples by keeping themselves neatly dressed in their academy uniforms or other approved clothing. Every Explorer is expected to attend and participate in all scheduled training and activities. No Explorer will leave camp boundaries without permission from the Senior Drill Instructor and their Advisor. In consideration of other Academy participants, Explorers will be in their bunks and quiet at lights out, unless otherwise directed by the Drill Instructors. No male Explorers are allowed, at any time, in female Explorers' housing areas or vice versa. These policies will be strictly enforced. Explorers will be responsible for keeping their bunk areas reasonably clean and neat. The purchase, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs by youth or adult participants, is prohibited. Gambling in any form is prohibited. Possession of firearms, by other than Law Enforcement Officers, or fireworks by adults or youth s is prohibited. Explorers will demonstrate respect for Tanah Keeta Scout Reservation property and strive to keep the camp clean. Explorers will be held personally responsible for any damage or loss they cause to camp property. No vehicles are allowed on camp trails without clearance from the camp director. Neither the Gulf Stream Council nor Learning for Life will be responsible for the loss, breakage, or theft of personal items. Advisors and Explorers will be guided by their department s code of conduct and code of ethics and will obey all local and state laws and the policies of the Gulf Stream Council. Any violations of the above Code of Conduct policy may result in expulsion from the academy and notification to the respective agency head and parents. If an Explorer quits or is unable to fully complete the academy, the Explorer s parent(s) will be responsible to pick up the respective Explorer from Camp Tanah Keeta. If an Explorer becomes injured and is unable to participate in day to day activities, the Director and Co- Director of the camp will determine if the Explorer can continue or needs to leave. If an Explorer leaves camp for medical reasons they will not be allowed to return. Explorers who are unable to or choose not to participate in certain activities may be asked to leave camp. We are looking for effort and 100% commitment.
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND SIGNATURES (To be completed by all participants): I have read the Code of Conduct and agree to the rules and regulations therein. Registration for this activity includes permission for Gulf Stream Council to use voice and/or photographs of participants in news coverage or similar projects approved by Learning for Life. Signature of Participant Date: Signature of parent or guardian: Date: (Required if participant is not 18 years of age) Signature of Advisor: Date: