The Illinois State Police (ISP) is preparing for the 2024 Team Illinois Youth Police Camp (TIYPC) summer camp series across the state. ​ The TIYPCs are highly structured week-long residency camps held in Elsah, Romeoville, and Carbondale each year. ​ The camps are based upon a military model and are geared for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17. ​ Attendees, or Cadets, learn military drills and participate in physical fitness exercises. ​ Cadets also attend classroom instruction on leadership development, substance abuse resistance, team building principles, and other life enhancing skills. ​ TIYPCs promote positive rapport and interactions between law enforcement and the attendees. ​ Graduates of the youth camps have experienced great success, and many have credited their camp experiences as pivotal points in reaching their future goals. ​ ​The first TIYPC originated in 2006 in the Metro East and was held in Granite City. ​ In 2009, the location of the camp was moved to Alton, and then in 2013 it was moved to its current location, Principia College in Elsah. ​ Since its inception, 879 cadets have graduated from the Metro East TIYPC. ​ The 2024 Metro East TIYPC will start in July and applications for the camp are being accepted through June 14. ​ If you know a teen who would benefit from attending the Metro East TIYPC, contact Ms. Sandra Voytas at Sandra.Voytas@illinois.gov.

Photo Credit: Illinois State Police
Photo Caption: Gary Stone and Southern TIYPC Coordinator Master Sergeant Joey Watson