The Team Illinois Youth Police Camps (TIYPCs) are highly structured week-long residency camps held in Elsah, Romeoville, and Carbondale each year. The camps are based upon a military model and are geared toward teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17.

Attendees, or Cadets, learn military drills such as formations and marching and participate in physical fitness exercises. Cadets also attend classroom instruction on leadership development, substance abuse resistance, team building principles, and other life-enhancing skills.

TIYPCs promote positive rapport and interactions between law enforcement and attendees. Graduates of the youth camps have experienced great success, and many have credited their camp experiences as pivotal points in reaching their future goals.

The first TIYPC originated in 2006 in the Metro East and was held in Granite City. In 2009, the camp moved to Alton, and in 2013 it moved to its current location at Principia College in Elsah. Since its inception, 879 cadets have graduated from the Metro East TIYPC.

After many years of successful participation from teens across the state who attended the Metro East TIYPC, ISP established a second camp for teenagers in the northern portion of the state. The Northern TIYPC was originally held at Olivet Nazarene University, and Lewis University in Romeoville is now the camp's current home.

In 2023, ISP, in partnership with the Carbondale Police Department, established the Southern TIYPC at Southern Illinois University, building on the success of the other camps and providing a safe, structured environment where teens can develop positive self-esteem and leadership skills.

The Northern and Southern TIYPCs are held in June and July. TIYPCs are made possible through public and private donations and partnerships with local law enforcement, civic organizations, state agencies, and the Illinois National Guard. The cost to attend depends on the camp location.

Program Goals

• Provide opportunities for area youth and law enforcement officers to form lasting positive relationships by creating a bridge of understanding between both groups.
• Provide a safe, structured environment that encourages positive behavior, leadership skills, positive self-esteem, and skills to resist violence, gangs, drugs, and other societal pressures.
• Positively change the lives of area youth through dedication and encouragement to succeed.

The philosophy of “Teamwork, Commitment and Pride” is introduced to Cadets through activities that promote teamwork, goal setting, and esprit de corps. Upon completion of the camp, Cadets participate in a formal graduation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion along with individual and group photos.

Camp Schedule Includes

• Teen suicide awareness
• Alcohol, opiate, and other drug addiction awareness
• Personal hygiene, dental care, and healthy lifestyle habits
• Dangers of social media
• First aid and Hands-Only CPR
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America
• Flag etiquette with the Illinois National Guard
• Team-building activities with the Illinois National Guard, including the rock-climbing wall, ropes confidence course, and related exercises
• Safety Day activities including local police and fire departments, rollover simulator, DUI-goggle demonstrations, texting-while-driving demonstrations, K-9 demonstrations, ISP motorcycles, and Air Methods Medical Transport Helicopter
• Daily uniform and room inspections
• Fishing and bowling

Camp Contacts