It was a week of positive mentorship and fun for these young boys and girls who participated in the Summer Youth Mentoring Program hosted through the Port Barre Police Department. The program is not a boot camp for at-risk youth, rather it is a life-enriching experience for the kids who participate, building positive and meaningful relationships between youth and law enforcement.
On Friday, July 14th over 30 cadets walked into the auditorium of St. Joseph’s hall in Port Barre for the closing ceremony of the youth mentoring program. Over the past 5 days, staff members and officers from the Port Barre Police Department spent 4 hours a day with the kids participating in the program. It’s not what you might be thinking, however. This summer youth mentoring program serves to provide life-saving skills and valuable lessons that participants will be able to carry with them throughout their lives.
“It’s not a discipline program for ill-behaved kids” Chief Deon stated. The program is designed to help coach the kids participating on CPR-training, drug awareness, anti-bullying, self-defense, teamwork, leadership, bicycle and pedestrian safety. Through the program participants were also mentored on community caring, manners, hygiene, and having confidence in themselves.
Local community members came in throughout the week including first responders, state troopers, and a member of the National Guard. A local agent from the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries also came and spoke to the youth on environmental safety, recognizing dangerous species and demos of various animal furs, bones, and even live baby alligators.
The program also includes fun activities throughout the week and a field trip to fun and educational destinations. This year the mentoring participants enjoyed a trip to Avery Island and Jungle Gardens, a visit to the local splash pad and extreme indoor volleyball.
St. Landry Parish District Attorney, Chad Pitre and State Representative, Dustin Miller were the guest speakers for the closing ceremony on Friday. They each addressed the participants and parents on the valuable skills and lessons they learned through the program that are shaping these youth to be positive leaders in their community. DA Chad Pitre commended the department and Chief Deon for putting on the program each summer to coach and teach these kids important values.
During the closing ceremony participants performed a demonstration simulating a real-life scenario of someone choking and how to properly call for help and perform CPR. Parents and guests enjoyed a slide-show presentation of the activities they participated in throughout the week.
Chief Deon Boudreaux initiated the summer program since 2015 for the youth in Port Barre geared towards teaching positive leadership skills and life lessons. The most important aspect, he believes, is the life-saving techniques and positive mentorship the cadets receive through the program who may not have receive them otherwise.
The entire program is offered for free for the kids who participate in the program made possible through donations and personal contributions made by the community. The participants range in age from 10 to 16 years.
