The Egg Harbor Township Police Athletic League (PAL) is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit 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. With no building or center to call home, officers often worked from the back of their police cars.
 

Early Years (1989-1999):
1989: The first program launched was an intramural coed basketball program, marking the beginning of PAL’s commitment to youth sports.
1990: The PAL obtained its first building on Tilton Road, transforming an abandoned and condemned rescue squad building into a hub for youth activities.
1991: A modern dance program was introduced, expanding the range of activities offered to the community.
 

Growth and Expansion (1996-2010):
1991: “The Wrecking Crew” S.C.U.B.A. diving program was established and ski trips to the Pocono mountains became an annual event. EHTPAL kids were going to the tops of mountains and the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
1996: The “Ready to Ride” Off-Highway Vehicle Park was established, with 8 miles of trails, zip lining, and paintballing, providing adventurous outdoor activities for the youth.
2001: The Ready to Ride Building was constructed, enhancing the facilities available for these activities.
2005: Football, cheerleading, and lacrosse programs were started, and Enforcer Field was built to support these new sports.
2006: Little PAL’s Preschool opened, offering early childhood education and care.
2008: The first annual “Fair For All” was held, becoming a staple community event.
2009: McGurk’s Flying PAL’s Aviation Club was started in memory of Officer Dennis McGurk and his wife Oksana McGurk, introducing youth to the world of aviation.
 

Innovation and Rebranding (2011-2021):
2011: The first annual “Winter Festival” was held, adding another major event to the PAL calendar.
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.
2013: First Lego League We-Do, Mindstorms, FIRST Tech Challenge and Tetrix teams were started, further expanding the PAL’s STEM offerings.
2015: The organization rebranded to the Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County to better represent its expanded role and partnerships.
2019: New STEM Building - 14,000+ square foot facility, which is designed to inspire and educate the youth through advanced STEM activities. The facility houses cutting-edge technology, including high-tech computers, 3D printers, and robotics equipment. It supports world-class robotics teams, like the ENFORCERS, who have won multiple state championships and have been recognized for their outstanding performance in various competitions.
2021: Crossplex Building - This 20,000+ square foot facility is packed with activities for kids of all ages, including an indoor turf field, a media studio, an esports room, and much more. Our state-of-the-art Crossplex is designed to host a variety of sports and fitness activities, ensuring a versatile space for both training and competition. Additionally, the observatory features a 14-inch Celestron telescope, offering an incredible stargazing experience.

Recent Developments and Future Goals (Present):
The PAL 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.
The organization has strengthened its community partnerships, enhancing its resources and outreach capabilities.
Hundreds of hours are volunteered each year by Egg Harbor Township police officers, officers throughout the county, and county residents, demonstrating the community’s commitment to the PAL’s mission.
Nearly 1,000 children from throughout Atlantic County are served annually, making the PAL the largest youth organization in Egg Harbor Township.
In 34 years, the PAL has served over 32,000 children, and its mission has remained the same: to improve police/youth/community relations, promote and advance the needs and welfare of our children, and actively participate in constructive endeavors for the promotion and safeguarding of the interest and general welfare of our children. The PAL provides a meeting place where children may enjoy educational, social, and athletic activities under competent supervision and excellent role models.
As a non-profit, the PAL depends on the community's support to provide quality educational and recreational programs. Please join us as we continue to serve the community and create a better place for all of our children and the entire South Jersey community. Discover the possibilities that the Police Activities League has to offer and how you can help.