Explorer Academy challenges teens' brawn and brains
By Daniel Wolowicz camarillo@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers RARE OPPORTUNITY- Law enforcement Explorer Academy graduates have a chance to make their training officers do push-ups, at the end of Friday's graduation ceremony at Cornerstone Christian School in Camarillo. Teens must complete the rigorous two-week academy in order to volunteer at local police departments.

Taylor Soares may not be a deputy yet, but the 18-year-old Camarillo resident's recent graduation from the law enforcement Explorer Academy puts him on track for a job with the Ventura County Sheriff 's Department.

"I knew I wanted to have a job in law enforcement, and this program helps me get my foot in the door," said Soares, a freshman at Moorpark College who plans to attend UCLA and study law and accounting.

Soares was one of 30 local students, ages 14 to 20, who took part in the two-week academy that gives teens an inside look at law enforcement.

For over 30 years, police agencies throughout Ventura County have used the Explorer Academy as a training ground for teens who want to volunteer at their local police department. To volunteer at police departments, the teens must complete the rigorous course.

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers NEW GRAD- Cmdr. Steve DeCesari presents Ventura County Sheriff's Department Explorer graduate Taylor Soares, 18, of Camarillo, with a new badge during the graduation ceremony at Cornerstone Christian School on Friday.

This year's class of Explorers graduated Fri., Aug. 17 at Cornerstone Christian School. Cmdr. Stephen DeCesari, head of the Camarillo station, was this year's guest speaker.

DeCesari said the department uses the program as a "recruiting tool."

"Besides that, for the age . . . I think it gives the kids something to focus on," he said. "It builds character and leadership."

Senior Dep. Julie Novak, an academy instructor and youth officer at the Camarillo Police Station, said the intensive 80hour program challenges teens both physically and mentally- much like the department's real academy.

During the two weeks, Explorers attend all-day classes taught by deputies and officers from the five participating police departments.

"These kids give up their lives for two weeks during the summertime for this academy," Novak said.

Soares, who said he keeps himself in shape, said the physical training "definitely gets your heart pumping."

Brent Underwood, a 16yearold Camarillo resident, said he attended the academy not because he wants a job in law enforcement, but because he hopes someday to join the Air National Guard as a pilot.

"You get to do stuff that average 16-year-olds never get a chance to do," Brent said.

He said the academy teaches self-motivation and requires teamwork from those in the program. "We all had to come together as one to get through it."

The Explorers are given an overview of criminal law, crime scene investigation, patrol procedures, traffic investigation and report writing.

Novak said this year 's academy was shortened from three to two weeks to accommodate students who are heading back to school and playing sports.

Even though the Explorer coursework didn't cover as much material this year as it has in the past, Novak said the program included a mock job interview to help teens prepare for their first time in front of a prospective boss.

"The program doesn't just teach them skills law enforcement, but skills for life," Novak said. Alcohol and drug awareness classes are also part of the program's coursework.

Once the Explorers complete the academy, they volunteer at their local police stations. The teens are taken on ride-alongs and help deputies direct traffic during local special events.

In addition, they participate in community outreach programs, such as annual food and toy drives.

Novak said the Sheriff's department is accepting candidates for next year's session.

For more information, call (805) 388-5155.