By Stan Karpf, GSAC Board Member
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The summer of 2025 marked the inaugural year of the Naples Police Department’s Soaring Eagles Youth Leadership Academy. Created to foster leadership, discipline, and positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement, the program quickly became a cornerstone of community outreach. Through hands-on activities, mentoring, and team-building exercises, participants gain valuable life skills while developing trust and respect for those who serve and protect the community.
The academy offers a unique opportunity for students to develop essential leadership skills, engage in meaningful service, and connect with like-minded peers who are passionate about creating positive change. This one-week program will be based at Baker Park, 50 Riverside Circle, and this year will be offered July 13 – July 17, 8am-4pm, culminating with a graduation ceremony at 5pm on July 17.
The Soaring Eagles Youth Leadership Academy is dedicated to providing young individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to become effective leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond. While also gaining decision-making and leadership skills, participants will be offered the opportunity to become certified in First Aid/CPR, learn basic self-defense/situational awareness skills, understand how a criminal case is processed, learn how to write a police report, and even learn how to take fingerprints. Team-building exercises and obstacle courses will be part of the curriculum, and a field trip will be included.
Through this program, the NPD aims to foster personal growth, responsibility, and the confidence to lead with integrity. Participants will tour the Naples Police Department and experience hands-on training with certified Firearms Instructors.
There is no cost to participants.
The entire program will be funded by donations from members of the Naples community.
We are pleased to announce that Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums (GSAC) will be a proud sponsor of this year’s Soaring Eagles Youth Leadership Academy.
As you know, GSAC has a long tradition of supporting the Naples Police Department and its many community outreach programs, such as the annual “Operation Fill-A-Patrol Car” during the holiday season and the “Do the Right Thing” program.
If you know a young person age 14-18 (rising 9th – 12th graders for school year 2026-27) who would like to apply to the program and requires an application or you simply have a question, please contact Corporal Rey Reyes at rreyes@naplesgov.com, or Chief of Staff Jennifer Tate at jtate@naplesgov.com.
