This March, secondary students from across the Kamloops‑Thompson School District took part in a challenging and immersive learning experience at the 2026 RCMP Youth Academy.

The RCMP Youth Academy is designed for students aged 16 to 18 who are interested in potential careers in policing, law enforcement, or corrections. This unique career exploration event provides students with a realistic introduction to the expectations, responsibilities, and decision‑making required in public safety roles. Over five days, students experienced elements of police cadet training while learning about various career pathways.

From March 11–15, 2026, at Pineridge Education Centre, students learned from a wide range of RCMP units, including the Forensic Identification Service, Emergency Response Team, Tactical Unit, Crime Reduction Unit, Targeted Enforcement Unit, Police Dog Service, and the Anti-Gang Enforcement Unit. Each session offered a different perspective on service, decision‑making, and teamwork under pressure.

The Academy also introduced students to the broader network of careers that support law enforcement and public safety. Partner organizations such as the BC Sheriffs Service, BC Corrections Service, CP KC Police Service, ICBC, BC Conservation Service, and Thompson Rivers University’s Police and Justice Studies program provided students with a deeper understanding of the diverse roles available within the justice and public safety system.

For McKenna Sutherland, a Grade 11 student from Brocklehurst Secondary, the experience confirmed that policing is as much about thinking and relationships as it is about equipment.

“It’s not about the duty belt,” McKenna shared. “It’s about your brain—it's the way you’re able to effectively assess a situation and consider the totality of the circumstances and make the best decision you possibly can in the moment.”

McKenna, who is interested in psychology, sociology, law, and justice, also appreciated how presenters consistently emphasized collaboration. “What I've found to be really valuable is the fact that every time we've had a presenter come in, at some point they mention that relationships with other enforcement agencies and partners are vital to doing the work that the RCMP does.... It made it feel a lot more human.” 

Grade 11 Sa‑Hali Secondary student Brooklyn Love‑Whiles, whose parents have both served with the RCMP, said the Academy broadened her understanding of career options within policing. “It was cool to see that if you come into the RCMP with a skill, there is a job where they can teach you how to use your skills to help the RCMP and to help people.”

When reflecting on what she will remember most, Brooklyn highlighted the relationships built during the week. “I’ve laughed the most with this group,” she shared. “I’ll remember this week, and the people I met here, for a long time.”

Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Doing were also thoughtfully integrated throughout the RCMP Youth Academy. Students began the week with an opening smudge and prayer shared by Elder Jackie Jules, grounding the troop in reflection and respect. Daily reflections on the Grandfather Teachings and learning about Indigenous policing, reminded students that leadership is grounded not only in action, but in respect, balance, and connection.

At the graduation ceremony on Sunday, March 15, RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley acknowledged the commitment shown by the cadets.

“You’ve faced challenges, stepped outside your comfort zone, and experienced firsthand what it takes to be dedicated to service and leadership,” he shared. “This program is demanding, and you have proven yourself through discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. You have experienced the realities of police training, from physical fitness to critical thinking, from problem solving to leadership. You are the future leaders of our communities whether you pursue a career in law enforcement or take a different path. This is only the beginning. The discipline, teamwork, and resilience you have demonstrated this week will take you far in life.”

Board Chair Heather Grieve thanked the Academy partners and recognized the importance and impact of the experience on students.

“It is important to connect students with things they are passionate about to help them find inspiration,” she shared. "Student will carry the skills they have developed and the relationships they’ve built here into their futures.”

Superintendent Mike St. John emphasized the value of partnership and purpose.

“The RCMP Youth Academy represents the very best of what happens when education, law enforcement, and community organizations come together with a shared purpose — creating powerful opportunities for students to learn, grow, and to see themselves as contributing members of their community,” he shared. “This academy is about more than learning policing skills or exploring career pathways. It is about building better people. Through teamwork, accountability, leadership, and reflection, students have been challenged to think about who they are, how they show up for others, and how their choices matter.”

During the ceremony, Cadet Valedictorian Brooklyn Love‑Whiles reflected on the shared growth of the group.

“This is the type of camp where you’re pushed every day,” Brooklyn shared. “Through the challenges we faced and the activities we did, and all the moments in between, we grew closer. Over this past week, we learned lessons that will go far beyond this academy.”

Special thanks to RCMP Superintendent Pelley, Staff Seargent Kienzle, Corporal Napier, Corporal Gajic, and their teams, everyone in the District's Career Programs department, and the partner agencies who came together to make this academy possible once again.

The experiences students gained during the 2026 RCMP Youth Academy will extend far beyond a single week. The lessons learned—about teamwork, accountability, service, and community—are an important step in exploring who they are, what they value, and how they may choose to serve their communities in the future.

Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications & Board Administration