Catalina Melgoza
Editorial Assistant
Northeast News

The Police Athletic League of Kansas City’s annual eight-week summer program is already well underway, but it’s not too late for area children to find their wings this summer.

The Police Athletic League – or PAL, as it is often referred – offers the program for youth in the city to interact with police officers while being a part of sports and mentoring programs. The summer program has been going on for 10 years now and is available to children ages 8-15.

On Wednesday, June 20th, the children at the summer program spent the day building birdhouses and bird feeders. Orin Jackson helped facilitate the project. Jackson is known for building the Hickory Hills Lodge, a facility that helps veterans cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He helped the children build birdhouses, and demonstrated wood-cutting techniques. The children also worked on building the bird feeders and were able to decorate them with spray paint and glitter.

The event allowed children to learn how to measure lengths and sizes, and presented a fun way to teach local children a skill, while offering them a unique, hands-on experience.

“Most of the kids are from the area and go to schools nearby,” says officer Leila Lawson.

According to PAL representatives, it’s not too late for children to sign up for an opportunity to learn in a social and creative environment at the organization’s summer program. For more information on Police Athletic League’s summer programming and other events, visit
www.kcpal.org.