Prince George, B.C.- For 33 youth, this spring break is not about parties, hanging out with friends, heading to a sunnier climate, or sleeping in. It’s all about experiencing life as an RCMP recruit in training.

It is the RCMP’s 8^th annual Youth Academy, (set up at Kelly Road Secondary School) which in one week exposes a group of teens to some of what they might experience should they decide to join the RCMP.

For 18 year old Jakob Kort, this is an opportunity to plan for his future “I have been doing some research on the RCMP as a possible career choice” says the Bulkley Valley Christian School student. “This is amazing stuff” he says although he admits it hasn’t been easy “I kind of knew it was going to be tough but the pest part has been working together as a troop. It shows how teamwork can really be a positive thing.”

The day begins at 5:30, when the teens (aged 16-18) have to be up and make sure they are ready for their first task of the day which starts at 6:00 a.m. 

That first task is a 5 km run, with plenty of stops for on the spot exercise. Once back at what is affectionately called “mini-depot” they have 55 minutes to shower, get dressed, have breakfast and be ready for their first class of the day.

The classes could be anything from time on the firing range, to learning defensive tactics to visiting the dispatch centre or taking instruction on what today’s policing is all about.

There are 10 students from Prince George   taking part in this year’s Youth Academy, the rest are from   everywhere from Valemount to Terrace, 70 Mile to Ft. St. John and  nearly every community in between. This year, there are 9 females in the program and 24 males.

Not just anyone can take part in the Youth Academy, applications must be filed, a fitness test taken, then there’s an interview with the selection Board. Although about 50 students will apply, only 33 will be accepted. The week long program costs $400 dollars, but many school districts help selected students cover that cost.

“Because the students go through a selection process to get here, we rarely have anyone drop out” says Special Constable Davy Greenlees. He has been with the Youth Academy since its inception.    The idea is to expose youth who are interested in joining the RCMP to the rigors of training. S/Constable Greenlees says many who have attended the Youth Academy do in fact decide to join the Force, or the Military, but he says they are encouraged to further their education and gain some life experience before making that commitment to the Mounties.

It  has Jakob Kort thinking about his own future “It has definitely furthered my interest for sure.”

The students will “graduate” from the Youth Academy on Saturday morning at 11:00.