At-Risk Youth Find Sun, Surf--and Newfound PALs

Even though they’re from Long Beach, the guys from Wilson High School don’t get to the beach much.

So they made the most of their chance Tuesday at Huntington State Beach, where they and about 500 other youths from Police Activities Leagues throughout Southern California enjoyed the sun and surf, and prepared to camp out on the sand that night.

“I like the girls, and the beach, and the games, and the free soda,” said 17-year-old Jose Reyes. He’s been in the Long Beach Police’s Department’s PAL program about 18 months and admits that without the activities it offers, he and his friends would spend their time on the street getting into trouble.

The PAL programs pair at-risk youths with officers who help them participate in sports and other activities. The two-day gathering in Huntington Beach brought PAL groups from Anaheim, Bakersfield, Compton, Hemet, Los Angeles and elsewhere to enjoy activities they couldn’t at home.

“A lot of these kids have never, ever seen the ocean before, let alone gone camping,” said Ranger Michaele DeBoer.

The state Parks and Recreation Department and the National Guard supplied camping equipment, and corporate sponsors donated food and drinks.

In addition to the soccer, volleyball, kite-flying and other games, the kids watched roller hockey exhibitions and demonstrations by the U.S. Coast Guard and the state beach Junior Lifeguard Instructors.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is sponsoring the program to promote outdoor recreation and education, self-confidence, role models and responsible citizenship.

“It’s a lot better to get them before they’ve gone bad than to try to turn them around,” DeBoer said. Having to arrest kids who could have stayed straight is “a waste of everyone’s time and money.”

The girls from the Blythe PAL spent the day dodging waves, swimming, playing soccer and generally enjoying a rare day at the beach.

“We have a river at home, but it’s not very fun,” said one 13-year-old participant, cultivating a sunburn with four friends.

Another 13-year-old said she’s been in PAL about five months and likes the out-of-town trips the group takes, as well as the other activities and games.

“It’s fun because it keeps us out of trouble,” she said.

And where would the girls be if they weren’t in PAL?

“Sitting home watching TV,” they answered in unison.

“It’s the only thing to do in Blythe,” added a 14-year-old.