Children participating in this year’s Picayune Police Department Summer Camp will learn about the power of giving back.

Last week, the department released applications for their annual camp, which filled up within hours, Picayune Police Department Capt. Theresa Milar said.

In preparation for this year’s activities, which include fishing and classes on beekeeping and drug education, Milar said campers will also be involved in raising money for two community projects.

Last year, the department had parents fill out a survey once camp was over.

“We asked them how we can make the camp better and the one thing they said they would like for us to do is more community service projects with the kids,” Milar said.

The community projects include purchasing food and supplies to deliver to the elderly and disabled living at Pines Apartments and installing a handicap swing set at Friendship Park.

The department plans to raise money by hosting a bowl-a-thon at Pine Tree Lanes on Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Everyone involved will need to get a sponsor beforehand who will pledge to a bowling pin, Milar said.

“This is our first time doing this so if we raise enough money from our sponsors, we’ll be able to purchase a wheelchair accessible swing to be placed at Kid’s Kingdom for disabled kids,” Milar said.

The department will also be accepting canned goods.

The first camp will begin on Monday, June 8 to the 12 and will be held at Roseland Park Elementary School for ages 7, 8 and 9. The second camp will run from Monday, June 22 to 26 and will be held at the same location for ages 10, 11 and 12.

For more information, contact Milar at (601) 798-7411 at ext. 501.