Officers Connect Young People to Nature

A group of young people got a chance to experience Algonquin Provincial Park alongside police officers.

The Toronto Recreational Outreach Outtripping Program (TROOP), sponsored by ProAction Cops & Kids, gives teens the opportunity to take part in camping and outdoor activities, including canoeing.

For 43 Division Police Constable Laura Kolebniak, the program brings together two of her passions.

“I always liked working with youth,” she said. “That is one of the reasons I became a Neighbourhood Community Officer, so I could engage with the community and work with young people. Camping is also a passion of mine, and I enjoy sharing it with them.”

Kolebniak said one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip is watching participants discover activities they may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience.

“I love seeing the looks on their faces when they get to go canoeing, which they might never get to do if we did not offer a program like this,” she said, noting the funding comes from ProAction Cops & Kids, a charitable organization that funds programs where officers mentor children.

Community member Shanaya Ahmad was looking forward to spending time outdoors and trying new activities with the officers and other participants.

“Coming out with the police and having this whole experience is going to be a lot of fun,” she said. “Going canoeing will be really cool.”

Ahmad also expressed appreciation for the officers who organized and supported the trip.

“I’m very thankful for all these kind officers,” she said. “They  treated us so well.”