Grand Island Fire Department

Grand Island, Neb. — The Grand Island Police Department’s School Resource Officer (SRO) Summer Youth Programs are officially off and running, with the first session kicking off this week at Barr Middle School.

Designed specifically for students entering 6th grade, the program offers a free, weeklong experience that blends fun activities with lessons in leadership, positive decision-making and community involvement.

In addition to this week’s session, the SRO team will host four more weeklong camps this summer: June 9–13, June 16–20, July 7–11, and July 14–18. All camps run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (ending at 1 p.m. on Fridays) and are held on the east side of Barr Middle School. A free lunch is provided daily thanks to support from Grand Island Public Schools Nutrition Services and generous local sponsors.

Each session includes a full schedule of team-building games, group lessons, physical activities, and guest speakers—creating a fun, supportive environment where students can build confidence and character under the mentorship of their School Resource Officers.

“We’re human,” GIPD Officer David Caldwell said. “They get to come see the fun side of us, they get to see our equipment when it’s not being used in the normal way it’s used, so they get to see the safe side of it and the fun side of it, and they get to know us as humans.”

The camp is free to attend, but space is limited to 40 students per session. Interested families are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible, with selections made on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register your child, you can visit www.gipolice.org/summeryouthprogram.