The Comox Valley RCMP and School District 71 have partnered up once again to prepare for the 2019 Mountie Camp, which will take place the week of April 28 – May 3, 2019, at HMCS Quadra in Comox.
Mountie Camp became a reality in the 1990s and has been held every second year since. It is a simulated “Depot” experience that is offered to high school students in Grades 10– 12 from the School District 71 catchment area. Students are lodged in a dormitory-type setting and stay at the camp for the entire week.
This has been a very popular program; a large number of RCMP and School District 71 staff members volunteer their time, knowledge and expertise to make the camp a success.
Mountie Camp is not for the faint of heart – it is a gruelling schedule which includes physical training, drill, scenarios, and theory. This community-based program enhances the students’ self-esteem and leadership skills. Those who express an interest in law enforcement are given a chance to experience first-hand what it would be like in the RCMP.
Applications for admission are available to students through their high school career offices. Prior to selection, students go through a stringent selection process conducted by schools, and RCMP.
“Mountie Camp offered many opportunities to learn all about the different occupations within the RCMP – it was eye-opening,” said former Mountie Camp student, Christina Matchett. “My favourite part was working together as a group to overcome obstacles.”
This will be the 13th camp offered to students and it would not be possible without the generous assistance of many service organizations, businesses and individuals from the Comox Valley. In addition, 19 Wing Comox provides the training facility and accommodations for students and volunteers at the camp.
If you wish to assist with the continued success of this program, donations will be gratefully accepted by Randy James, Work Experience co-ordinator at Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School. This project is expected to cost approximately $15,000 from start to finish and students typically pay a registration fee of $150 to help offset the cost of food and supplies.
Randy James can be reached at 250-334-4628 or randy.james@sd71.bc.ca and for any other questions, please call Cst. Monika Terragni at 250-338-1321.