Youth-oriented programs provide opportunities for our young to build the positive life skills necessary to be successful and productive citizens through sustained, constructive relationships with adult role models.  Each of the nine Louisiana State Police troops sponsors youth programs and other community related events under the direction of a statewide coordinator and the auspices of the Louisiana Trooper Foundation.

Camp Win-A-Friend is an overnight summer resident camping program for underprivileged and disadvantaged boys and girls between the ages of 10 to 12 who have successfully completed the 5th, 6th, or 7th grade. Troopers of the Louisiana State Police conduct several sessions of camp reaching out to 100+ children across the state. During the camp, the troopers serve as counselors, mentors and role models for the children. Camp Win-A-Friend is situated on 25 acres of property in Holden, Louisiana, and has 7 air-conditioned cabins, a swimming pool, cafeteria, outdoor pavilion, fishing pond and classroom. The children enjoy many activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, teambuilding exercises, fishing, baseball and basketball... all the things that summer camp memories are made of. There is no cost for the children selected to attend camp.

Skills for Life
Other Skills for Life opportunities are provided by the Louisiana Trooper Foundation.  Each summer campers are taught CPR, first aid, fire safety, land navigation, and bike safety.  During the school year, weekend fishing, hunting and other recreational excursions provide other mentoring opportunities on a one-on-one or through group encounters.

Besides Troopers from the Louisiana State Police, other visitors are brought in to talk to the kids during the camp.  LSU football players, basketball coaches and pictured to the right,  Baton Rouge Police Chief Jeff Leduff talks to the kids during a classroom session.