A graduation ceremony was held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center's auditorium at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16.

 

This year marked PAY Camp's return after a five-year hiatus that began in 2020 due to Covid-19.

 

Campers spent time learning life skills, such as how to tie a tie and change a tire, and participating in activities and trips, including to the Memphis Zoo and Magic Springs.

 

Youths also heard from a variety of guests who spoke to them about anti-bullying, social media and online safety and how to conduct themselves in a multitude of situations.

 

Pine Bluff Police Chief Shawn Davis said the department celebrates each camper "for your commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to challenge yourselves throughout this incredible journey."

 

"The officers of the Pine Bluff Police Department have enjoyed getting to know each of you," Davis said. "Our mission has always been about more than enforcing the law - it is about building trust, creating lasting relationships and helping young people recognize their unlimited potential. We hope this experience has shown you that the police department is here to support, encourage and believe in you every step of the way."

 

Three former campers who volunteered full time to work at this year's event -- Brandon "Nicholas" Brown, Adrianna Logan and Christian Lovett -- received $2,000 each in scholarship funds, thanks to generous donations from Assistant Pine Bluff Police Chief Shirley Warrior, Warrior Environmental, Fosters Towing and Recovery and East Harding Construction.

 

Three part-time volunteers and former campers -- Sariah Wilson, Rickey Smith and Makylin Reed -- received $200 each.

 

Warrior said the money is about giving blessings back to the community and to those who have given their time and effort to make a difference.

 

"When I envisioned the Police and Youth Camp, my dream was simple - to create a place where young people could feel safe, valued, encouraged and inspired to become the very best version of themselves," Warrior said. "I wanted every child who attended this camp to know that the Pine Bluff Police Department is more than a law enforcement agency. We are your family, your mentors, your supporters and your biggest cheerleaders."

 

Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers praised PAY Camp's return, saying that it demonstrates what is possible when law enforcement, community leaders, volunteers and families come together with the shared purpose of investing in the future of Pine Bluff's children.

 

"Throughout this camp, our youth have been encouraged to dream big, build confidence, develop leadership skills and create positive relationships with the men and women who proudly serve and protect out city," Flowers said. "They have learned valuable life lessons about respect, responsibility, teamwork and making positive choices that will benefit them for years to come."

 

The graduation ceremony also included entertainment as each camp group, who were named after sodas, performed an original skit.

 

The Pink Fanta Flames, under the direction of PBPD Lt. Jasmine Womack, won the competition after performing a collection of dances and songs based on Michael Jackson hits.

 

Other groups were The Green Olipops, Blue Mountain Dews, Red Sierra Mists with a Pretty Little Twist and the Burgundy Root Beer Floats.

 

"All of the kids put in such hard work for this graduation," said PBPD Public Information Specialist John Worthen. "It was amazing to see how they transformed throughout the five weeks. They came into this shy and uncertain but left with pride and a sense of accomplishment."

Worthen said the goal for next year's camp is to host 250 or 300 kids.

 

"Before Covid, camp had around 300 youths each year," he said.

 

"Now that we are back, we are hoping to reach that many kids year in and year out from now on. Camp is a way of helping our community's youths learn valuable life lessons that they can use to grow into productive adults. We are really proud of the program and everyone who is involved with it."