Camp offers alternative to gangs

Survivor Camp Police believe there are as many as 80 gangs in Charlotte.

By: Kate Barker
News 14 Carolina

CHARLOTTE -- School is out for the summer, but some students are still learning some important life lessons.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation have teamed up to offer a weeklong “Survivor Camp” for at-risk youths who might be involved with gangs.

Police say there is often a spike in crime during the summer months, when children are out of school, and that the camp will help keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

The camp teaches at-risk youth about team building and leadership.

The camp gives the students -- some as young as 10 years old -- an opportunity to learn team-building and leadership skills and an alternative to gang activity.

Police believe there are as many as 80 gangs in Charlotte, with hundreds of members walking the halls of local schools every day. They say what those students learn this week is a lesson they should bring back to school them this fall.

“It is my goal to do or say something that has an impact on them that they carry with them the rest of their lives,” said Officer Lisa Speas.

Organizers are planning to hold another session camp on Copperhead Island during the week of July 24.