PCYC Laser Tag program engages Queensland youth

A Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) Queensland initiative that includes laser skirmish games, boxing training and sport sponsorships for disadvantaged youth is engaging youngsters between the ages of 11 and 16 years in the Daby District.

'Ignition Dalby' incorporates laser tag games which focus on: team work; communication and physical fitness and is backed by partnerships with the local community and service providers – including key supporter Arrow Energy.

Commenting on the program, Sergeant Clint Ryan of Queensland Police (Dalby) explains "the attraction of Laser Skirmish allows the drawing of a large group of youths to enable effective delivery of a specified message. This activity was specifically designed to incorporate behavioural management strategies to enable 'at risk youths' to be put on behavioural management contracts that provide Laser Skirmish as a substantial reward.

"The benefits of this aspect of the program (are) profound. The gaming system has been designed to encourage team work amongst the participants. In this game - there is no single player that wins - it is the team that ultimately achieves success or failure. The gaming system has been formulated in such a way that it forces the participants to co-operate together to achieve the goals of the mission. All of the missions require communication, organization and planning. The funny thing is that when participants play - they don't realise how much of these important aspects they use.

"The other clear identified benefits are health related. At a time when parents can never seem to encourage children from the computer or TV - you will find children queuing, begging and pleading to be engaged in this activity. The most amazing aspect is that children don't realize they are exercising. After the first couple of minutes - you will even see adults diving for cover."

Sgt Ryan continues "it is not uncommon to find parents who join in - telling staff how they never realised how much exercise was actually involved. In most cases it is not uncommon to find Dads reliving playing army men with their son or daughter - barking out orders and pointing to and fro – (while) Mums normally get a big a laugh out of it.

"An important aspect of what we have achieved is the equipment used. After conducting a lot of research in this area we identified Battlefield Sports as a suitable provider for this unique equipment. After deploying it in weather extremes through the South West of Queensland, we were and still are impressed with the robustness and ease of use of the taggers. When we purchased the SATR equipment we have since found the continual development and upgrades to the product, have actually grown with us while we have delivered the program."

Ignition Dalby was inspired by an earlier PCYC youth program, 'Skirmishing the Youth' run from the Charleville Police Station and Charleville PCYC from 2009.

Prior to 2009, Charleville, an outback town with a population of around 3,500, had been experiencing an increasing number of crimes, such as trespass and under age alcohol consumption, committed by youths under 17 years of age. A lack of structured and supervised venues and activities for the 11 to 16 year old age group was identified as one of the causes for an increasing rate of juvenile offending.

Skirmishing the Youth provided free laser tag activities for teenagers along with diversionary activities such as anti-drug messages, healthy eating information, and cyber and school bullying messages, the program proved to be an exceptionally effective diversionary activity that resulted in the number of youth crimes committed in Charleville falling.

Acting Queensland Polic Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright explains "the lack of appropriate facilities and activities for the youth of Charleville resulted in boredom and despondency which ultimately led to anti-social behaviour and juvenile offending.

"This activity provides a stimulating, enjoyable and healthy activity and in the process helps police break down barriers. The game requires team work, communication and physical fitness and the development of these core skills is an additional major benefit.

"The initiative is proving effective in engaging at-risk youth and has gained the full support of local businesses and the broader community.

"The rate of juvenile offending in Charleville has fallen significantly since the program commenced."

Word about the Skirmishing the Youth project spread and events have also been conducted by invitation in Longreach (population 2,975) and Blackall (population 1,160).

In addition, the youth program was so successful it won best regional program in the Child Protection Week Awards - Youth Participation (2010) and was also honoured with a Highly Commended in the Premier's Awards for Excellence in Public Service Delivery (2010).

For more information on PCYC Youth Programs go to http://bit.ly/1ceRxPQ