Annual Report-2009-Cover.indd - York Regional Police

Overall, the camps were an overwhelming
success for all involved. Ninety Grade 4 and
5 campers participated in the fourth annual
York Regional Police Leo McArthur Youth
Leadership Camp, which engaged campers
in a wide range of activities including
demonstrations from our Emergency Response
Unit, Search and Rescue Unit, Traffic Bureau
and Dive Team. The cost of the camp was
generously sponsored by local business man Leo
McArthur and the Police Appreciation Night
Dinner Committee.
For the second year in a row, 50 campers from
Grades 6 and 7 took part in two week-long
sessions of Youth Opportunities camp. The
Youth Opportunities Camp was started through
a grant received for the award-winning York
Region Against Guns and Gangs (YRAGG)
initiative. In their presentations, York Regional
Police officers shared how character traits play
an important role in how they perform their
duties as police officers. Campers were treated
to a visit from Canadian National Paralympian
Tracey Ferguson, who taught them to never
give up on their dreams. Campers also enjoyed
an exciting talk from Toronto Argonauts player
Chuck Winters.
But the true benefit drawn from the camps were
the relationships built between youth and police
officers.
“Sometimes, a person comes into your life and,
YOUTH AND MENTAL HEALTH
SYMPOSIUM
York Regional Police was proud to host a
groundbreaking Youth and Mental Health
Symposium in September 2009. The
symposium was held at the York Regional Police
Community Safety Village in collaboration with
the York Support Services Network. The oneday
event brought together over 50 participants
representing nine different community services
agencies, two of the region’s hospitals, the two
school boards, local shelters and members of
the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
The symposium provided an opportunity to
share information about existing programs
within York Region and create dialogue on
ways York Regional Police and its partners
could better serve children and adolescents
with mental health issues. It was a positive first
step in coordinating services for youth in York
Region.
even if it is only for a brief time, that person
leaves a profound mark on the life they have
touched,” said Mr. Kuncic. “This is certainly
what happened when the Youth Leadership
Camp brought my son, and all the other
children, to meet Constable Passarelli and the
other amazing camp counsellors. It was truly an
unforgettable experience.”
My son participated in a safety class at the Community Safety Village. He is a special needs student who frequently
interrupts and shouts out responses. Constable Maxine Bairos was able to control the situation while providing him
with opportunities to participate.
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Keeping Our Community Safe Together