The 9th Annual New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp being held from July 6-12 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, N.J. has focused part of it’s attention on one of more serious threats confronting many communities throughout the state - gangs.

The “Gang seminar” was conducted on July 7th by Robert S. Randolph, a senior parole officer with the Juvenile Justice Commission, Julio Quinones, an Investigator with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (whose wife is a member of the Army National Guard), and Minnie Hiller (also a member of the Army National Guard specializing in Family Support Programs) who in civilian life works as the Drop-out Prevention and Risk Co-ordinator Liaison with the Passaic District Courts.

The dramatic presentation included a brief history of gangs, the dangers of membership in gangs, and strategies on how to successfully avoid becoming involved in gang activity. According to the presenters, membership in gangs and the incidence of gang-related violence has increased throughout the state. Using a variety of role-playing, class participation, and anecdotal examples, the three professional Law Enforcement professionals communicated a crystal clear message … “Gangs, most definitely, are not cool !”

The primary purpose of the camp is to provide a positive social / recreational experience to help children of Guardmembers cope with the stress of separation from one or more parents caused by extended military duty. It also helps provide Guard family members with a better understanding of why their loved one volunteered to serve both state and nation as a citizen-soldier in the New Jersey National Guard.

Campers are afforded the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, arts & crafts, and beach activities. Campers also participate in substance abuse / drug awareness programs, a military camp out experience, and a field trip to the Guard’s Training and Training Technology Battle Lab at Fort Dix, N.J.

Media interested in covering camp activity are invited to visit on Friday, July 11, from 9-11 a.m. Those planning to participate must contact Lt. Col. Roberta Niedt at 732-974-5927.