RCMP Camp offers students hands-on training and career insight

Comox Valley Schools and the Comox Valley RCMP hosted the 15th RCMP Camp at HMCS Quadra, offering high school students an immersive experience into the world of law enforcement.

Over the course of six intensive days, students explored a wide range of topics including the history of the RCMP, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, common offenses, collision investigations, and court testimony. Sessions were also delivered on specialized units such as forensics, explosives disposal, air support, police dog services, crisis negotiation, and more.

Participants were put through their paces with drill instruction, fitness testing, and daily inspections—mirroring the structure and expectations of cadet training at the RCMP Training Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan. On one evening during camp, students had the unique opportunity to participate in nighttime simulations alongside active-duty RCMP officers, responding to staged scenarios and applying their learning in real-time.

Established in 1996 as Canada’s first RCMP student camp, the program runs every two years and has welcomed over 700 students since its inception. The camp is open to students from a variety of backgrounds and career interests, with the shared goal of fostering leadership, teamwork, discipline, and public service values.

“We are incredibly proud of this partnership with the Comox Valley RCMP,” said Randy James, Camp Coordinator and Comox Valley Schools educator. “This experience gives students the opportunity to learn about many different careers within police work. Using rigour and discipline, students are inspired to push through personal limits and strengthen their confidence and character through perseverance, attitude, effort and teamwork.”

The 2025 RCMP Camp was made possible through student registration fees and generous community sponsorships. Comox Valley Schools would like to thank Comox Valley Crimestoppers, Courtenay Rotary, Comox Valley Volkswagen, Cumberland Legion, Comox Valley Airport Commission, Ron Hunchiak, Thrifty Foods (Crown Isle), and Quality Foods (Courtenay) for their generous support.

The next RCMP Camp is scheduled for spring 2027. For more information, please contact Randy James at randy.james@sd71.bc.ca.