Desert Strength Academy helps guide at-risk youth

In one week, the Desert Strength Academy will help nearly 40 at-risk middle school students find the right path.

“The first day I don’t think they really wanted to be here but today they all seem to be involved and enjoying themselves,” said Riverside County Deputy District Attorney, Douglas Gee.

The summer camp is part of Riverside County’s six month Youth Accountability Team program. Most of the volunteers who work at the camp also work in law enforcement. They range from police offers to district attorneys.

“Most of these kids have experienced negative things with officers whether it be out in the field or us responding to their homes and dealing with their parents,” said Cathedral City Police Officer, Heather Olsen.”This is a positive experience for them.”

The theme of this year’s camp is bridging the gap between the at-risk youth and the law.

“We’re trying to figure out how to build positive relationships between the two different groups and let them understand what we’re thinking and how we approach situations,” said Deputy Probation Officer, Adrian Olvera. “We’re not against them we’re here to enrich their lives.”

Tuesday’s speakers included the Palm Springs Coyotes and Riverside County Deputy District Attorney, Michael Tripp. Tripp spoke specifically about gang prevention.

“What we really want them to understand is the decisions they make, the friends they make are really going to have ramifications beyond their teenage years,” he said.

Statistics show the program works.

“We have a 75 to 80 percent success rate,” concluded Gee. “That’s 75 to 80 percent of kids that go through the camp will not have any contact with law enforcement again.”