It was another winning season for the Montgomery County Police officers and kids who participated in the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation’s “Badges for Baseball.” This sleep-away camp program pairs police officers and at-risk kids during three, week-long sessions at the Foundation’s athletic fields in Aberdeen. The goal, established by the foundation, is “to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and kids in underserved communities across the country using baseball as the hook.” The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) has been an active participant in the program since 2008. While the officers may provide some baseball playing advice, the coaching for sport skills comes primarily from college baseball and softball players. The officers, who’ve traded their police uniforms for tee shirts and shorts, become caring role models to mentor the kids, teach them teamwork, communication and leadership skills, and help them learn more about the law enforcement profession. This summer the kids met representatives from MCPD SWAT, K-9 and the Alcohol Enforcement Unit. The lessons learned benefit the kids both on and off the ball field and the officers take well-deserved pride in being part of this excellent positive youth development program. To learn more about the
Badges for Baseball program.
