Kamloops RCMP Youth Academy (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

YOUTH ACADEMY

With previous attendees ready to join the ranks, Kamloops’ RCMP Youth Academy welcomes its next cohort

Mar 14, 2025 | 4:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — Ten Kamloops high school students who could one day be patrolling the streets of the Tournament Capital are being put through their paces this week at the RCMP Youth Academy. Friday (March 14) marked the midway point of the five-day, fully immersive program, with the Pineridge Education Centre serving as a mock depot.

Each day starts before the sun has officially risen for the 10 recruits getting a taste of life in the RCMP.

“We have lots of different education components… and a lot of variety from different law enforcement agencies. We have had a lot of partners come in, such as conservation, the sheriffs come in, the CPKC police as well, so they get a variety of not only law enforcement from different agencies, but they are also learning powers of arrest, elements of the offense, and different tactical maneuvers we would use in policing, as well,” said Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Dana Napier.

The five-day program is fully loaded — from training exercises in the gym to learning about the police dog services and their role within the Mounties.

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“There is so much information and a look into so many different elements of the RCMP that I didn’t know existed before. It’s great opening my eyes to the different routes I can take in the RCMP,” said Hanna Aspinall.

Those accepted have not been scared off from the prospects of law enforcement, with some already eyeing a spot at TRU.

“Afterward, I plan on joining the military before… retiring into the RCMP and helping continue to protect and serve our country,” said Matteo Sia.

“I’m going to the Police and Justice Studies program starting in September, and hopefully joining the RCMP after that, so it just kind of seemed like a logical first step,” added Aspinall.

It’s the 14th year the RCMP has partnered with the local school district to put on the youth academy.

“We really rely on our partner Kamloops RCMP and the Tk’emlups detachment as well. They bring a lot of resources into this for the benefit of these students,” said SD73 Director of Instruction Rick Kienlein. “And really, the benefit for these students is they have the opportunity to learn about law enforcement — not only RCMP but associated law enforcement, including conservation and others.”

While the students passing through still have the remainder of high school and university level courses ahead of them, the program has begun to see the fruits of its labour.

“We are starting to see some people come back through and, actually, now we are seeing some of those youth academy students go through into the RCMP as applicants, as well,” stated Napier.