Lakeland's Police Athletic League (PAL) is reminding parents to get their children signed up for summer activities.
- Representatives from more than 50 youth-oriented programs attended annual Mentoring Day event
- League works with more than a thousand kids annually
- League's teen summer camp starts June 1
PAL held its annual "Mentoring Day" Saturday at Tiger Town Field. Marching bands, dance teams, and motivational speakers took the stage, as representatives from more than 50 youth-oriented programs attended the event.
“It’s very important that while we are going toward the end of the school year, that we let these parents know where to come, sign their kids up so we can get them off the streets,” said Tim Abram, the League’s Executive Director.
PAL works with more than a thousand kids annually, through its teen summer camp, youth leadership mentoring program, and after school tutoring, cheerleading, and football leagues.
“We sent 23 kids to college from our program, the youth leadership program, just last year," Abram said.
The teen summer camp, for ages 12 to 18, meets daily from June 1 - July 1. The teens go on college and business tours, and learn about financial management.
"It gave me a lot of encouragement, to go to school, go to college, do good, and just have a successful life," said Alayzia Lucas, one of PAL's teen summer camp’s longtime attendees.
The organization also focuses on building bonds between youth and officers.
"Main goal is to save lives," said Officer Preston Chatmon, the League's newly assigned officer. "Before a kid makes a decision that they're going to have to pay for the rest of their lives, maybe I can be a deterrent, " said Chatmon.
For more information, visit the Lakeland PAL homepage.