Police 'PAL' Around with Youth in Summer Camp

Bensalem Township Police Department’s Police Athletic League (PAL) expanded its program offerings this summer with summer camp for sixth to tenth grades. Twenty-eight youth signed up for the camp, which runs three days a week July 5 to 28. Campers bring their own lunch, but visit the Adventure Aquarium, swim, and participate in other activities free of charge.

“Officer Vasek actually created the program,” said Bensalem Police Sergeant Andrew Aninsman.

Officer Donna Vasek, the school resource officer at the Bensalem middle schools, and Officer Ray Hartman, the school resource officer at Bensalem High School, run the camp. Vasek said she wanted to hold a daytime camp for adolescents at the “in-between” stage.

“They get bored and then get into trouble,” said Vasek.

The officer pitched her idea to both the police department and the school district, and she was given space at Snyder Middle School and funding from PAL.

On Tuesday, July 19, the campers, Vasek and Hartman traveled across Hulmeville Road to tour the Bensalem District Court and police facilities. The next day, the campers would visit Flying Colors Farm in Bensalem and go horseback riding.  

“There’s an educational component and the athletic component,” said Hartman of the camp. “It seems like this has a lot of potential.”

Campers were given an education in the law when they met Judge Leonard Brown in the district court. Brown talked to the youth about his job and about crimes that pertain to youth, like Bensalem’s daytime curfew for school-age youth, fighting in schools, and substance abuse. Brown urged the youth to report of any drug or alcohol use by their classmates.

“You are not a snitch or a tattletale. You are saving someone’s life,” said Brown.

He also warned the campers that it’s illegal to possess or use tobacco on school property, which includes bus stops on school days. Brown also urged the youth to think of the consequences, such as getting cancer.

“You don’t think of those things now, but these things happen to real people,” Brown said.

The judge also took questions from the campers, who wanted to see his gavel and know more about where they could ride four-wheelers legally.

“You are going to have to make decisions. Hopefully, you make the right ones,” said Brown.

The campers saw a possible outcome of bad decision-making as they toured the Bensalem Police Department, including its holding cells. Campers stepped inside the police department’s mobile evidence van, holding cells, dispatch room, and criminal and special investigative offices. The youth were able to ask questions of Lieutenant T.J. Campellone and Director of Public Safety Frederick Harran. Campers wanted to know about everything from car chases to what PAL would offer in the future. Harran told the campers he hoped to raise enough funds for a PAL building.  

“I want PAL to grow and be one of the best in the area,” said Harran.

Aninsman also mentions growing the PAL program, and said that there might be new programs offered this fall.

“We would rather associate with the kids on a mentor basis,” than possible see them later involved in criminal activity, said Aninsman.

Aninsman said he expects to run the PAL camp next summer, and have a larger turnout.