Cincinnati CITI Camp graduation event recognizes kids who learned leadership skills
Cincinnati police officers celebrated the graduation of dozens of children from a summer camp designed to teach leadership and conflict resolution skills to those who have experienced trauma.The camp, known as CITI Camp, which stands for Children in Trauma Intervention, was organized by officers in the city’s Youth Services Unit.The six-week program included activities such as learning basic taekwondo and mastering step routines in recognition of historically Black colleges.Cincinnati police Chief Terri Theetge highlighted the camp’s impact, saying, “You’re talking, there was like 52 kids, I think 50 or 52.”Cynthia Booker, a grandparent of one of the campers, expressed her appreciation for the camp’s focus on positive activities.”I’m just happy to see positive, positive things children are doing today,” Booker said.Booker acknowledged the challenges faced by young people who sometimes get involved in violent behavior, adding, “It breaks my heart. It really does. But I’m glad that this program is here to inspire the children to do better.”The camp culminated in Friday’s graduation ceremony where participants were recognized for their willingness to learn leadership skills.Theetge emphasized the potential impact of the camp, stating, “Think about how that can translate when they are back in their community. And they’ve been taught a skill set, and they’ve been recognized for putting that skill set into play. Now, we’re talking about a few, but if they can go out and message that to a lot, that’s a great way to start making this a better city for our youth.”The police officers who run CITI Camp also work as school resource officers during the school year, helping keep classrooms in Cincinnati safe. And they manage the Summer Cadet Program, which offers students aged 16 to 18 the opportunity to work part-time for the police department.
Cincinnati police officers celebrated the graduation of dozens of children from a summer camp designed to teach leadership and conflict resolution skills to those who have experienced trauma.
The camp, known as CITI Camp, which stands for Children in Trauma Intervention, was organized by officers in the city’s Youth Services Unit.
The six-week program included activities such as learning basic taekwondo and mastering step routines in recognition of historically Black colleges.
Cincinnati police Chief Terri Theetge highlighted the camp’s impact, saying, “You’re talking, there was like 52 kids, I think 50 or 52.”
Cynthia Booker, a grandparent of one of the campers, expressed her appreciation for the camp’s focus on positive activities.
“I’m just happy to see positive, positive things children are doing today,” Booker said.
Booker acknowledged the challenges faced by young people who sometimes get involved in violent behavior, adding, “It breaks my heart. It really does. But I’m glad that this program is here to inspire the children to do better.”
The camp culminated in Friday’s graduation ceremony where participants were recognized for their willingness to learn leadership skills.
Theetge emphasized the potential impact of the camp, stating, “Think about how that can translate when they are back in their community. And they’ve been taught a skill set, and they’ve been recognized for putting that skill set into play. Now, we’re talking about a few, but if they can go out and message that to a lot, that’s a great way to start making this a better city for our youth.”
The police officers who run CITI Camp also work as school resource officers during the school year, helping keep classrooms in Cincinnati safe. And they manage the Summer Cadet Program, which offers students aged 16 to 18 the opportunity to work part-time for the police department.
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