Columbus Police and Fire Youth Academy
123 Washington St., Columbus, IN 47201
About
The Columbus Police and Fire Youth Academy includes obstacle courses, physical fitness exercises, team building events, and hands-on learning about fire safety and fire prevention. Campers inspect and learn more about various types of equipment, from fire trucks to specialized police vehicles and boats, and see a police dog demonstration. The academy ends with a brief graduation ceremony that families are encouraged to attend.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: Bitty Boot Academy is a 2-day camp for local 6–8 year-olds and Youth Academy is a 3-day camp for 9–12 year-olds, with each day running from 8:00am to 3:00pm.
• Price: The camps are free.
The Columbus Police and Fire Youth Academy gives students between the ages of six to twelve the opportunity to spend two to three days in an educational setting with public safety personnel. Campers talk with members of the CPD SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiators, Swift Water Rescue, Bomb Team, Dispatch, EMS, and more. Lunch and an academy shirt are provided to all campers at no charge thanks to generous sponsors.
Camp space is limited, and first-time attendees are prioritized over past academy graduates. Only one submission per child is allowed, and online registration for the 2026 CPD/CFD Bitty Boot and Youth Academies will open on Monday April 27th, 2026 at 9:00am. Registration may close at any time once the academies are full, the status of the child’s registration is updated by email, and registration alone does not guarantee the child’s spot in the academy.
The child must have their own transportation to and from camp, and there must be a nearby emergency contact who can respond if needed. Notifications of food allergies or restrictions are made to camp staff and any needed medications are provided to camp staff at check-in. Families must accept CPD’s liability waiver. The camp director is Officer Kapczynski, and Chief Steve Norman is with the Columbus Police Department. CPD notes that a Deputy Chief has graduated from the FBI National Academy.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: Bitty Boot Academy is a 2-day camp for local 6–8 year-olds and Youth Academy is a 3-day camp for 9–12 year-olds, with each day running from 8:00am to 3:00pm.
• Price: The camps are free.
The Columbus Police and Fire Youth Academy gives students between the ages of six to twelve the opportunity to spend two to three days in an educational setting with public safety personnel. Campers talk with members of the CPD SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiators, Swift Water Rescue, Bomb Team, Dispatch, EMS, and more. Lunch and an academy shirt are provided to all campers at no charge thanks to generous sponsors.
Camp space is limited, and first-time attendees are prioritized over past academy graduates. Only one submission per child is allowed, and online registration for the 2026 CPD/CFD Bitty Boot and Youth Academies will open on Monday April 27th, 2026 at 9:00am. Registration may close at any time once the academies are full, the status of the child’s registration is updated by email, and registration alone does not guarantee the child’s spot in the academy.
The child must have their own transportation to and from camp, and there must be a nearby emergency contact who can respond if needed. Notifications of food allergies or restrictions are made to camp staff and any needed medications are provided to camp staff at check-in. Families must accept CPD’s liability waiver. The camp director is Officer Kapczynski, and Chief Steve Norman is with the Columbus Police Department. CPD notes that a Deputy Chief has graduated from the FBI National Academy.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.