KILLEEN, Texas — The Killeen Police Department (KPD) is partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas and the Killeen Independent School District (KISD) to host a summer camp for young men.
The "Boys 2 Men" camp will run from July 27 to July 29. It's open to boys in grades six to eight.
Officer Devin Hill came up with the idea.
"There's actually not enough of these programs. There are some," Hill said.
He said he wanted to provide positive role models to the boys who attend. The camp is meant to show boys how to be productive and stay out of trouble.
"I think a lot of young men, even me, was one of those young men who kind of felt lost and trying to find my way in society, but luckily I had those positive male role models in my life to help guide me," Hill said.
The boys will do outdoor activities like archery and fishing at the Parrie Haynes Ranch. They'll also do educational activities tire changing, CPR and how to be a good citizen.
Boys will spend day one at KPD Academy. Day two will be an overnight stay at Parrie Haynes Ranch. On day three, the boys will have a graduation ceremony.
"We believe that we are able to expose these kids are different things it'll lead to elevation," Officer Moore, who's helping with the camp, said.
A group of 20 police officers and Boys and Girls Club staff will come alongside the youth to lead the programs and make an impact in their lives.
Hill and Moore hope the camp will also help break down any barriers the boys may have will police.
"They can kind of get a glimpse of what we deal with and what we go through and to see us as just human beings," Hill said.
"I'm a family man. I love my kids. I love my wife. I love my city. We need people like that to be police officers and be out front and be leaders in this community," Moore said.
There are about 20 spots left for the camp. The registration fee of $10 was waived thanks to an anonymous donation. Contact Tyler Curtis at tcurtis@bgctx.org or Officer Hill at dhill@killeentexas.gov to sign up.
