Columbus Police and Fire Youth Academy
123 Washington St., Columbus, IN 47201
About
Columbus Police and Fire Youth Academy includes obstacle courses, physical fitness exercises, team building events, and activities focused on 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.
Bitty Boot Academy is a 2-day camp and Youth Academy is a 3-day camp. The 2026 Bitty Boot Camp is scheduled for June 8–9, and the Youth Academy is scheduled for June 10–12. Online registration for the 2026 CPD/CFD Bitty Boot and Youth Academies is set to open on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:00am.
Campers have the chance to talk with members of the Columbus Police Department SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiators, Swift Water Rescue, Bomb Team, Dispatch, and EMS. Lunch and an academy shirt are provided at no charge to all campers, supported by what the program describes as “our generous sponsors.” Camp space is limited, first-time attendees are prioritized over past academy graduates, only one submission per child is allowed, and registration alone does not guarantee a spot in the academy.
Requirements for participation include that the child must be a Bartholomew County resident, must be within the listed age group at the time of camp, and that submission is made by one parent or legal guardian with accurate information provided during registration. The child must have their own transportation to and from camp, there must be a nearby emergency contact who can respond if needed, any food allergies or restrictions must be shared with camp staff, and medications, if needed, must be provided to staff at check-in. Families must also accept the Columbus Police Department’s liability waiver. The camp director is Officer Kapczynski, and Chief Steve Norman is listed from the Columbus Police Department.
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.
Bitty Boot Academy is a 2-day camp and Youth Academy is a 3-day camp. The 2026 Bitty Boot Camp is scheduled for June 8–9, and the Youth Academy is scheduled for June 10–12. Online registration for the 2026 CPD/CFD Bitty Boot and Youth Academies is set to open on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:00am.
Campers have the chance to talk with members of the Columbus Police Department SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiators, Swift Water Rescue, Bomb Team, Dispatch, and EMS. Lunch and an academy shirt are provided at no charge to all campers, supported by what the program describes as “our generous sponsors.” Camp space is limited, first-time attendees are prioritized over past academy graduates, only one submission per child is allowed, and registration alone does not guarantee a spot in the academy.
Requirements for participation include that the child must be a Bartholomew County resident, must be within the listed age group at the time of camp, and that submission is made by one parent or legal guardian with accurate information provided during registration. The child must have their own transportation to and from camp, there must be a nearby emergency contact who can respond if needed, any food allergies or restrictions must be shared with camp staff, and medications, if needed, must be provided to staff at check-in. Families must also accept the Columbus Police Department’s liability waiver. The camp director is Officer Kapczynski, and Chief Steve Norman is listed from the Columbus Police Department.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.