As we approach the end of the school year, Summer is just beyond the horizon. However a big question comes up whenever we reach this time. What do I do in the summer?

While some people already have trips and vacations planned, other people have no idea what to do during the next two months. While you could just sit around or go outside once in a while, it would get really boring eventually. I have an activity that may or may not interest you, but it is something I have done for the past two years and I love it. This summer you should join the Haledon Junior police academy. 

The Haledon Junior police academy is held at Manchester Regional High School. The academy is meant to show you what it’s like being a police officer in training. You will learn basic information like how to march and do an about-face. You will also learn about drugs and gang violence; however, the content they show you WILL be graphic so be forewarned.  The officers do yell at you sometimes, but that is only meant to show how real police officers are trained.

The academy is run by Sgt Frank Conca and Sgt Jessica Funes and is assisted by patrolwomen April Latona and other fellow officers. It only lasts one week, but it teaches you so much. Although I’m not going to do it this year, as I have been there twice, I highly recommend that you visit it. Some schools hand out permission slips to join but you can also find slips at the Haledon Library/police station.

The very best part…It’s completely free, they serve a delicious lunch, and it’s a lot of fun.