83°
Sponsored by the Hawthorne Police Department, the camp featured reservists from the U.S. Army National Guard, 10 borough officers, 20 eight-grade mentors and various school personnel leading 175 youngsters -- roughly 84% of the incoming sixth graders.
Students were split into one of four teams and worked their way through leadership challenges, their new terrain and school rules. They also participated in National Guard drills and marches.
“Kids who go to leadership camp when they actually do start school, there’s no worry about getting lost or trying to figure out where to go and how to get to classes,” Detective Matthew Hoogmohed said.
A Hawthorne native and 10-year department veteran, Hoogmohed managed photos and a slide show of the event.
The program continues to grow in popularity, with parents planning summer family vacations around it (This year, the 30 combined hours ran from Aug. 17-21).
All of the students participated in a graduation ceremony and received certificates of achievement.
Teachers found the youngsters more relaxed, with fewer disruptions, as they focused on studies.
“This is the first year that they have locks on lockers," Hoogmohed said. "They have to do it in a certain amount of time, so instead of doing it out on the fly, they have a whole week to figure it out.
"It makes it much easier to acclimate to middle school.”
Compared to his youth, Hoogmohed, these kids are fortunate.
“I wish we had this,” he said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice South Passaic and receive free news updates.
