Police Activities Leagues have existed for over a century! During this time, these leagues have grown and changed to become what they are today. While the focus of each league is different and created to meet the needs of individual communities, one thing is the same - police activities leagues care about their communities and strive to make a positive impact on local youth. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of PALs, talk about our league's history, and discuss how leagues positively impact the community!
History of the National Police Atheltic/Activities League
The first Police Athletic League was created in 1917 in New York City to provide a constructive environment for young people, with the dual goals of preventing juvenile delinquency and building trust between the police force and the community. The early programs included a variety of sports such as baseball, basketball, and boxing, as well as educational and cultural activities.
During the 1920s and 30’s the movement spread across the country as more local chapters were developed. The National Police Athletic League was established in the early 1940s to provide standardized guidelines, training, and support to local PAL chapters, and to advocate for the importance of PAL as a community policing and crime prevention effort at the national level.
EHT PAL’s Mission Through The Years
The Egg Harbor Township Police Athletic League (PAL) is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization that was established in 1989 by five dedicated officers of the Egg Harbor Township Police Department. Their vision was to foster a better relationship and understanding between the youth, the police, and the communities they served. In 1989, the first program launched was an intramural coed basketball program, marking the beginning of PAL’s commitment to youth sports. In 2005, football, cheerleading, and lacrosse programs were started, and Enforcer Field was built to support these new sports. Then in 2006, Little PAL’s Preschool opened, offering early childhood education and care. In 2012, the SeaPerch program was started, with the Middle School Team placing 3rd overall in the nation and 1st in oral presentation, showcasing the PAL’s commitment to STEM education. Then in 2013, First Lego League We-Do, Mindstorms, FIRST Tech Challenge, and Tetrix teams were started, further expanding the PAL’s STEM offerings.
The Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township & Atlantic County continues to innovate and expand its offerings, developing new programs to cater to a wider range of interests and abilities, including advanced STEM and robotics courses, arts and cultural activities, and specialized sports training.
How Do PALs Support The Community?
PALs provide a safe and supportive environment for young people. They create opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills, make safe choices, build self-esteem, and create lasting memories.
EHT PAL’s focus on STEM provides opportunities for community youth to expand their interest and knowledge of STEM topics which can help them get on a path towards going to college and getting a career in a STEM-centric field. Our grants for those in need provide this opportunity to all members of our community.
PALs are focused on community outreach and providing support in unique ways based on each community’s needs. At EHT PAL, our Holidays with Heroes are a major way that we give back to our local community. Whether it’s hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for the visually impaired, providing children with coats for the winter at our Trunk or Treat, or giving families in need the gift of a holiday shopping trip during our Shop with a Hero event, we are focused on giving back to our communities and providing support to those in need.
EHT PAL knows the importance of providing safe spaces for youth to socialize and have fun without being unsupervised and at the risk of making poor decisions that could impact the rest of their lives. This is why providing childcare options throughout the year is so important to us! We offer school break camps, summer camps, and childcare during the school week. Our childcare offers social-emotional learning, academic support, and athletic and STEM activities while providing parents and guardians with peace of mind.
PALs offer local youth a place to gather, learn, socialize, find support, connect with the community, and build friendships and memories that will last them a lifetime! If you want to help your local PAL continue doing what they do, consider donating, becoming a sponsor, or volunteering with us!
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