The seventh annual Pine Bluff Police Department Baseball Camp got underway Monday at the Regional Park Baseball Complex.

The seventh annual Pine Bluff Police Department Baseball Camp got underway Monday at the Regional Park Baseball Complex.

Approximately 40 campers are taking part in this year’s camp which was moved from summer to spring.

"This is spring break week. This is our way of giving back to the community by giving the kids something to do during their spring break," said PBPD Sgt. Hosea Thompson. "It gives them something to do besides sitting at the house playing on the video game."

Campers range in ages 6 to 15. They were welcomed by members of the Pine Bluff Police Department and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff baseball team. They also heard speeches from coaches at UAPB, Dollarway and Woodlawn High Schools.

"It’s popular, and the kids love it," said Police Chief Jeff Hubanks. "It’s very functional for the kids. While they are here, they get examples of good manners set constantly through out the day. When they leave here, they will have that embedded. Hopefully, that will carry on."

The camp will continue through Thursday with activities taking place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Campers are instructed in the fundamentals of baseball and softball with local coaches volunteering time to work with the youth.

Campers are divided up into age groups. At the close of camp a contest will be held in hitting, pitching, base running and overall sportsmanship.

The PBPD also holds camps in other sports through out the year.

"It’s one of several outlets that we have for the youth in this town," Hubanks said. "It’s one of the many programs that we run. This one – just as the others have been – continues to be successful. It’s well attended and you can tell by the volunteer cadre that it’s well supported in the community.

"Some kids love baseball more than others. We also have other sports that we do. We have a basketball camp for kids who like that. A lot of our kids are repeat participants. Our summer youth camp is coming up where we have a lot of activities. We are starting in June with that one."

Anyone interested in finding out more about PBPD youth engagement activities can call 870-730-2073 for more information.