Sheriff's Youth Week Gives Teens a Look at Life in Law Enforcement

As he prepared to climb the wall in the gym at Neptune High School Gunnar Larsen, 15, of Freehold knew many of his friends were either enjoying their summer vacations at home or on the beach.

For Larsen and more than 100 other students from around the county, their week was busy with physical and educational challenges at the 21st Annual Sheriff’s Youth Week. That was an option for the incoming sophomore at Freehold High School but not one that he had seriously considered. “I’m a person who likes a challenge, so when it comes up I enjoy it.”

During an action packed week, Larsen said he was enjoying everything the campers were being taught. “Its been great,” he said. “The experience of learning about everything and doing it has been great.” His favorite part through the start of the week was a special demonstration by the K-9 unit.

Soon to be Howell High School freshman Jake Borrelli said he enjoyed the physical aspects of the camp so far. “I want to be a cop when I get older so my mom thought I’d be interested,” he said. The camp definitely holds his interest but Borrelli admitted the experience has been “Pretty tough.”

The day at Neptune High School also included riding a zipline, swimming in the pool and working on the track as well as time in the weight room. Most of the camp is spent at the Monmouth County Police Academy where they have special visitors from law enforcement at the local, county, state and federal levels.