The VPD Cadets program provides Vancouver high school students, many of whom are at-risk, with an intensive and inspiring leadership program that is truly life changing. From September to May every year, the VPD Cadet Program offers a unique opportunity for teens to participate in applied educational workshops, physical training, recreational activities, community service, and drill. They also get an inside look at different police units, including the Marine Unit, Mounted Squad, Canine Unit, Traffic Section, and Gang Crime Unit.
It is through all these teachings and experiences that Cadets learn life skills to help them become leaders in the community, assist them in navigating difficult decisions, and learn how to set and achieve goals. Inevitably, Cadets will also make lifelong friendships with fellow Cadets, who will become like a second family.
Previously, we have been lucky enough to hear directly from the Cadets themselves as they share their personal experience with us. This year, we are turning to their parents and guardians to learn how the program has impacted their teen. With Cadets Class 11 currently at its half-way mark, Susannah – mom of Camille, a first year Cadet, generously shared this update with us:
“We are a few months in and the VPD Cadets have been a great experience for Camille!! I remember the journey began way back on a Thursday night in September, where Camille and her friend Jelena went from being nervous teens going in to pick-up their uniforms, to coming out as a couple of super excited girls with non-stop chatter all the way home that night. And it’s been pretty much that way since.
From my point of view on that very first night, I was impressed that both girls were so thrilled to learn about the uniform etiquette, the items they needed to always have ready in their kit, and all the rules of Cadets. Specifically, regarding the rules, they each had interesting and realistic theories about why some rules exist and you could hear their nervousness and respect in their voices. They were excited about the rules, and in particular the idea that they are all in this together! No one is left behind and if someone has to learn a lesson, it’s a lesson for all of them as a team.
I have to admit that I was very proud of their conversations on that first car ride home. It left me feeling like they are growing up and are ready for this challenge!
Since then, every Saturday and the occasional Wednesday, the planning and communication involved with Camille’s Charlie squad (now Foxtrot) has been top of mind for Camille. She checks her online Cadets page regularly to make sure she isn’t missing information in any new posts. The night before each session, Camile has her boots polished, shirt ironed, and kit packed. She understands that being prepared is key and this is also being worked into her everyday routines. In the past, Camille traditionally tended to dilly-dally, leaving many things to the last minute, but is now properly preparing for many things in her life so it’s not all a stressful last-minute experience. This I love to see!!
All her Cadet experiences so far have been great, but her favourite activities have been the police judo sessions – she was so thrilled at the end of the first session where they turned off the lights and turned on the red & blue flashing lights. She said she felt so empowered! Camille also really enjoyed the weekend away at Keats Island getting to know her squad members while having so much fun. And the experience visiting the jail on Cordova was also very cool to her, seeing a real workplace like that in action.”
We look forward to catching up with Susannah again later this spring to give us an update on how the second half of the Cadet program went for Camille.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall within three streams: community outreach and engagement (including programs for women, youth and seniors); public and personal safety; and specialized equipment and technology. You can help make Vancouver safer for all by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.