ILLINOIS STATE POLICE OPENS 2026 YOUTH POLICE CAMP SEASON
April 27, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 27, 2026
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) is now accepting applications for the three Team Illinois Youth Police Camps (TIYPC) this summer. Each week-long, overnight camp is geared towards teenagers (ages 13-17 years) and focuses on providing personal development opportunities to challenge young people to reach their full potential.
The TIYPCs are based upon a military model and attendees, or cadets, learn military drills and participate in physical fitness exercises. Cadets also attend classroom instruction on leadership development, substance abuse resistance, team building principles, and other life-enhancing skills. TIYPCs promote positive rapport and interactions between law enforcement and attendees. Other local enforcement agencies, as well as local civic organizations, have partnered with ISP to provide engagement and mentorship opportunities to develop lifelong connections with young people.
The southern TIYPC will be held at Touch of Nature in Makanda, IL from June 7-13, 2026. To apply, go to https://www.tiypc.org/, or contact ISP Special Agent Justin Haney at 618‑534-6477 or Justin.Haney@illinois.gov. Applications for Makanda will be accepted until all slots are filled.
The Metro East TIYPC will be held at Principia College in Elsah, IL from July 12-18, 2026. To apply, contact Sandy Voytas at Sandra.Voytas@illinois.gov or 618-420-2804, or Master Sergeant Calvin Dye at Calvin.Dye@Illinois.gov or 217-685-4752. Application deadline for the Metro East location is June 19, 2026.
The northern TIYPC will be held at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL from June 21-27, 2026. To apply, contact ISP Trooper Duane Chappell at 620‑417‑5892 or Duane.Chappell@illinois.gov. Application deadline for the Romeoville location is May 9, 2026.
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