Next-Gen Leaders: Simpsonville Police Department Celebrates 2026 Youth Summer Camp Graduates

Local teens exchanged their summer vacation downtime for hands-on leadership training as the Simpsonville Police Department officially celebrated the graduation of its 2026 Youth Summer Camp cohort.

Designed for area youth aged 13 to 16, the annual two-week interactive program gives participants an immersive, behind-the-scenes look into the law enforcement profession. Led by Simpsonville School Resource Officers, the camp focuses on fostering team collaboration, developing practical leadership skills, and strengthening positive relationships between young residents and local emergency services.

During the two-week academy, campers tackled a robust curriculum that included:

• Field Training & Team Building: Practical exercises in police procedures, traffic enforcement concepts, and physical fitness.

• Forensics & Safety: Hands-on introductions to crime scene investigation techniques, CPR and first aid certification, and firearm safety.

• Agency Collaborations: Special demonstrations and site visits with regional partners, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Simpsonville Fire Department.

Community Support Powers Free Access

Offered at no cost to participating families, the youth academy relies heavily on community partnerships and municipal support to cover daily lunches, t-shirts, materials, and field trip logistics.

Department officials extended special recognition to a wide roster of public agencies and local business sponsors who partnered with the department for the 2026 session, including Discover Simpsonville, Bryson Middle School, Walmart, Culver’s, Marco’s Pizza, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Moe’s Southwest Grill.

Following a formal commencement ceremony where graduates received certificates before family and friends, department leadership thanked all community partners and confirmed plans to return for the 2027 summer season.