Police School
A Week-long Ride Along with Calgary Police and YouthLink Calgary
The four-day crime prevention Police School program aims to empower students with essential knowledge and skills to navigate various challenges in today’s society. By focusing on topics such as team building, communication, healthy relationships, gangs, drugs, and cyber safety, the experience equips youth with the tools they need to make informed decisions and stay safe.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Exploration of our cutting-edge police museum
– Hands-on workshops led by our YouthLink police officers
– Games and activities that explore policing in a fun and inclusive way
– Interactions and presentations from Calgary Police Units
Throughout the Police School program, students will have the unique opportunity to interact with police officers who play a crucial role in maintaining community safety in Calgary. These officers serve as mentors and guides, sharing their expertise and firsthand experiences with the participants. Our goal is to help break down barriers and build trust with Calgary Police, while helping the children develop a deeper understanding of the important role that police officers play in ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
In addition to addressing vital topics, the program introduces students to different police units. This hands-on experience allows the participants to gain insights into various aspects of law enforcement. Our goal is to educate the youth about the efforts by these units to keep Calgary communities safe.
Field Trip Details
Who Can Apply
Any grade 6 or 5/6 class located within Calgary City Limits.
Availability
Police School weeks will be set through-out the school year October-June. Available weeks will be scheduled with the classes selected to the program in September 2024
Program Length
Monday-Thursday of a single week, each day is a 5-hour program
Program Cost
Program is FREE, including transportation, for the selected classes.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 6 Health and Life Skills
Program Capacity
We are able to accommodate a maximum of 35 students per class.
Registration Details
This program is an application-based, multi-day field trip program. We are only able to accommodate one class per booking of a maximum of 35 students.
Teachers interested in applying for this program must fill out the application for their individual class. If multiple classes from the same school want to apply, the classroom teach must fill out individual application. There is no guarantee all classes from the same school will be selected for the program.
A panel of YouthLink staff and officers will selection classes to participate in the program based on application answers.
To prepare for registration, please identify the following information:
The number of classes from your school that you would like to attend.
The estimated number of students in each class (please note we can only accommodate a maximum of 35 students per booking).
The months you will be able to attend a field trip in the 2025-2026, and any dates where your class will not be able to attend. We will do our best to schedule what works for you and your class, but due to demand of the program we may offer alternative dates outside your requested months to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you expect from the program?
Our Police School program is a unique, multi-day experience taught by our Police Officers and Facilitators that gives students the tools to empower them with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of today’s society.
The program focuses on topics such as: team building, communication, healthy relationships, gangs, drugs, and cyber safety. The week is filled with educational experiences, fun activities, and exciting special guests (subject to availability).
What is the cost of the program?
Thanks to our generous donors the program if free. Transportation is included as a part of this program.
What days does the program run?
The program runs Monday to Thursday of the week your class was selected.
What is the arrival and departure time for the program?
The program generally runs for 4.5 hours to 5 hours per day depending on your bussing schedule. When our Police School Facilitator reaches out to book bussing with you timing will be confirmed, based on bus availability and bell times for your school.
Does YouthLink cover the cost of bussing?
Yes, due to the generous support of our sponsors the cost of bussing is covered for this program.
How many students can I bring to the program?
Each program booking is limited to 35 students.
What is the student-chaperone ratio required for the program?
We require a 1:10 ratio for chaperones to students.
Is the facility accessible?
Yes, the facility is fully accessible. All programming for the Police School takes place on the ground floor. Other areas where programming also takes place are also accessible.
What grade level is the program for?
The program is for any Grade 6 (or 5/6) split class located within Calgary City Limits.
What are the Alberta Education curriculum connections for this program?
From the Grade 6: Physical Education and Wellness Curriculum all under the following heading:
Organizing Idea: Safety: “A lifetime of optimal well-being is supported by prioritizing health and safety.”
How do I book the program?
This program is an application-based program. Applications open in early September and remain open for two weeks. All applications will then be considered by a panel of our Police School Officers, Facilitators, and other YouthLink staff. Successful applicants will be informed once the panel has made their decisions.
I missed registration, will registration be open again?
No, due to logistics of the program we are only able to open applications for two weeks at the beginning of the school year. If you would like to be considered please make note that registration will be in the first two weeks of September.
Can I register multiple classes for the program from my school?
No, this program is registered on an individual class application basis. We request that each classroom teacher fill out their own application. We cannot guarantee multiple program spots per school.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
Please give us as much notice as possible (a minimum of a month notice at the latest to ensure we are able to properly alter and cancel bussing) if you need to cancel your program bookings. This will allow us to fill the space with someone from our waitlist.
Can I change the date of my program that I booked?
We are unable to offer program date switches except for certain unforeseen circumstances. These date switches will be on a case by case basis and determined by the Police School team.
Is there a waitlist for the program?
Yes, if you submitted an application during the application period and were not selected you will be added to our cancellation waitlist for Police School.