The Syracuse Police Department has announced a collaboration with the Syracuse University football program that will bring together law‑enforcement mentors and college athletes to run a summer camp for the city’s youth.
Camp schedule and activities
The Police Athletic League Summer Camp will be held from July 6 through August 7 and is open to boys and girls between the ages of six and eighteen. Participants can choose from a variety of sports, including tennis, football, lacrosse, and an emerging e‑sports track, giving them a chance to stay active while learning teamwork and discipline.
Registration for the program stays open until July 2, after which the limited number of slots will be filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis, ensuring that interested families have a clear deadline to secure a spot.
Leadership and community impact
The idea for the camp grew out of a meeting between Syracuse Orange head coach Fran Brown, several police officers and Chief Mark Rusin. Together they discussed how mentorship, leadership and positive role models can shape the futures of local youngsters, turning the shared goal of community safety into an engaging summer experience.
Police Officer Tom Blake also took part in the planning discussions, helping to design activities that blend athletic competition with lessons on responsibility and civic pride.
Beyond the playing fields, the camp emphasizes mentorship, giving children access to guidance from both university athletes and law‑enforcement professionals. Organizers hope the program will reduce youth crime and foster a sense of belonging that lasts well beyond the summer months.