The Westminster Police Department has developed a program entitled "P.E.R.K. Police Education and Recreation for Kids". This program is designed for 5th grade students attending Westminster Elementary School. P.E.R.K is an after school program which assists students with their homework and other learning skills for today's education. Students participate in sports activities, arts and crafts, field trips and various other events. The program allows students to use their talents while developing responsibility and respect towards others. This program gives students the opportunity to be around positive role models by interacting with police officers, recreational staff, community leaders, high school and college students, and private citizens. The P.E.R.K. program is being offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00 - 5: 00 p.m. during school days. .
The P.E.R.K. program has volunteers from Westminster High School, Francis Scott Key High School, North Carroll High School, Carroll Community College, S.C.O.R.E. and the Westminster Police Department. The first field trip was taken to the Baltimore Ravens Practice Facility in Owings Mill. Trent Dilfer spoke with the students and autographed team pictures for the students. The Westminster Police Department's K-9 unit brought in a dog for a demonstration. Bear Branch Nature Center preformed an outreah program. The center brought their animals to Westminster Elementary School.
Sports activities include basketball, kickball, handball, soccer, capture the flag, and the student's most popular sport activity-dodge ball. When the weather gets warmer the sports activities will move outside and the students will play flag football, lacrosse, kickball, and other outdoor activities. A paper airplane building and flying contest is also scheduled.
The program is being funded by a federal grant. The program was conceived to give students an activity to participate in, between the time that they leave school for the day and the time that their parents return home from work.
Parents and volunteers in the community are welcome to volunteer their time to work with the students. Anyone interested should contact Sgt. Keith Benfer of the Westminster Police Department at (410) 848-4646.
