Summer Camp, CIT's + CPD's Community Immersion Program

Columbus Police Academy Officers & DFYF Youth were part of CPD's Community Immersion Program

135th Columbus Police Academy's new recruit class spent time with our kids at Ohio Avenue Youth Center. The one-word "feel", or takeaway from the experience? Compassion.

The new recruits immersed themselves into our programming and interacted with the kids - who were very excited and quite interested in the officers. They ate lunch together and chose an activity session to attend with the kids - art, dance, recreation and leadership group were just a few of the choices.

“I had the opportunity to play games with the kids and talk to them

in a way which would not be possible in a uniform.”

-Officer T. Montgomery Jr. #2999 member of the

135^thColumbus Police Academy recruit class

The officers took part in DFYF's In My Shoes, a simulation of trauma & resiliency. This interactive group experience provides an opportunity to understand the impact that early life traumas may have on individuals later in life. It's also helpful to understand how taking a trauma-informed approach in response to problem behavior can either escalate or calm a situation.

“Directions for Youth & Families provides a necessary service to our community. The ability to meet the youth but also learn how to interact with youth and families that have or are experiencing significant levels of trauma in a way that yields compassion and understanding was an invaluable experience and truly embodied the purpose of the Community Immersion program.”

- Tiara Ross, Assistant City Attorney, Zone Initiative, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein

The CPD Academy Staff said their time spent at our Center was a highlight of the week!

The Columbus Police Community Immersion program is a three part immersive training that provides Columbus police recruits and field officers the opportunity to learn about the Columbus community and its residents through education, engagement and reflection. The purpose of the program is to develop recruits’ and field officers’ cultural understanding of the community, and to facilitate positive relationships between police officers and residents of Columbus in order to increase public safety.

"It's important for our agency to be

part of the solution."

- Duane Casares, CEO

Directions for Youth & Families

Counselors in Training -

Giving Youth a Leadership Opportunity

Nine Counselors in Training (CIT's) are mentoring 163 youth attending our summer camp. The CIT program is not only valuable to the youth we serve, but also the CIT's.They receive an internship experience and serve as positive role models. CIT's share their own expertise and help staff implement all facets of the summer camp program. They also work to de-escalate youth when camp attendees struggle with their behavior. This is a great experience for all - staff, summer camp youth and CIT's!

"Do not wait to be a leader. Look in the mirror it's you!"

-the motto Jason Moncrief, After-School Supervisor, has for his student leaders

Pictured above: Ohio Avenue Youth Center CIT's Torren, Nariya, Melenika, & Ousmane. Pictured right: Crittenton Center CIT's Dorian, Tylib, Deiondre, Dilynn, & Oumou.