Hundreds of excited youngsters swarmed the Bethel Baptist Church yesterday morning for the opening of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s (RBPF) 19th annual Summer Youth Programme under the theme “Empowering Our Youth for a Brighter Tomorrow.”

It’s an initiative geared towards fostering positive relationships between the police and young people, while engaging them through academics, music, sports and community activities.

Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade welcomed the campers, adding that the programme provides a place for the youngsters to learn leadership, development and decision making skills.

“If we are to effect change in our nation and in the global arena we must empower our most treasured asset – our youth – by ensuring that they are adequately prepared, spiritually, academically, socially and physically,” he said.

Commissioner Greenslade noted that every year the programme is planned to cater to its participants.

This year’s focus will be on a number of areas, including conflict resolution, spirituality, healthy lifestyles, aspects of the law and cultural activities.

“I believe that with all the new programmes and facilitators along with teacher’s aides that you campers will enjoy yourselves immensely. I challenge you to learn all you can, ask questions, show respect and demonstrate obedience.”

Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage also addressed the campers.

He challenged the youngsters to take advantage of what is offered during the camp in order to become empowered.

He then turned his attention to the role policemen play in the community.

“But the point I want to make is that the police are your friends, the policeman is your friend,” Minister Nottage said.

“It is his job to protect you and to keep you safe and one of the ways that they are trying to do that is by having these summer camps and getting you to know them and who they are and getting you to understand the role you must play in keeping your own community safe and peaceful.”

The minister also encouraged the campers to stay in school.

The programme is free of charge and open for young people between the ages of eight and 17 years.

It is facilitated by the nine policing divisions here in New Providence and seven in the Family Islands, including Grand Bahama.

The camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Following yesterday morning’s opening ceremony, the youngsters participated in a march to police headquarters led by the RBPF youth community marching band.