At institutions and divisions across the state, CDCR and CCHCS staff got into Take Your Kids to Work Day. This round-up will be updated as more participating institutions submit their activities.
Centinela State Prison hosts first Junior Cadet Academy
What started as controlled chaos quickly turned into a well-oiled machine as all hands were on deck, and ready to go. After months of planning and preparation, Take Your Kids to Work Day was finally here. On April 22, staff finished final set up, and the sounds of 200 children began to enter institutional grounds for the first Centinela Junior Cadet Academy.
The cadets were separated into five platoons as company commanders lined them up in column formation. Warden Fidencio N. Guzman called everyone to attention, welcoming the cadets and their families. Then Lt. Ramos, the Junior Academy Commander, took over. He issued the cadets their instructions, set off confetti poppers to mark the academy’s opening, and released the cadets to their first training courses.
“I am really proud of how the event came out. Everyone put in a lot of effort, and it showed,” said Warden Guzman. “Thank you to everyone who helped, and all the cadets who participated. I hope we can continue building off this in the future.”
Centinela offered activities for all age groups
The cadets were provided with instruction followed by hands-on application at six different stations:
- Plastic BBs and Paintball Range / Crisis Response Team demonstrations
- Baton use
- Obstacle course
- Medical – Medical Response and CPR
- Firefighting
- Searching and Investigative Services Unit K-9 demonstrations
“This was so much fun, I loved the cell searching, and the dogs,” said one of the cadets.
Another cadet talked about being inspired to pursue a possible career.
“I liked the medical booth (and) I learned CPR,” the cadet said. “I think I want to be a nurse.”
During breaks between stations, the cadets were allowed to visit other booths throughout the area presented by various departments and local chapter associations.
Junior Academy had lots of support
These included:
- California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) offered drinks and treats
- California Correctional Supervisors Organization (CCSO) offered a 360-degree photo booth, drinks and popcorn
- Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA) offered drinks, snacks, and goodie bags
- Plant Operations and Vector Control displayed various local wildlife
- Medical held a personal protective equipment donning contest
- Dental Department booth offered an oral hygiene demonstration
- Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) offered a bingo game and treats
The cadets completed the courses, participating in various contests at each one. After the academy, top performers were presented with awards and gifts. The day was filled with hard work, as well as non-stop smiles and laughter from the cadets’ parents, who were able to watch as the activities took place.
After cadets completed the courses and devoured a pizza lunch, sponsored by the Centinela Employee Activities Committee, the cadets and staff were rewarded with snow cones sponsored by the local CCPOA chapter.
“I really appreciate the event. It was so much fun watching my kids learn some of the things I do and see where I work,” said one of the parents.
With one last call to order, the cadets were presented with certificates of graduation from the Junior Cadet Academy. They also enjoyed photos with their loved ones before heading home to ponder possible new career choices.
Submitted by Lt. Dustin Loop
Avenal State Prison holds Kids Day
Avenal State Prison (ASP) hosted their seventh annual Kids Day. Staff was invited to sign up their kids for a day of fun. With 120 kids signed up, ASP started the morning off with music from our local DJ and welcoming the kids to participate in sidewalk art and rock painting.
There were tables of games, candy, ice cream, popcorn, snow cones, California wood cut outs to decorate and keychain making. The tables were all set up by Medical, Investigative Services Unit, Badge of Brothers, SEIU, Records Department, Plant Ops, Education, Metal Fab and Accounting. Followed by demonstrations from the Firehouse on how to “stop, drop and roll,” Medical gave insight on their ambulance, and ASP’s K-9 team showed how they search for cell phones.
Each child was able to pick their own Easter basket filled with special gifts and prizes including candy, money, toys and other items. Once the Easter baskets were picked, we moved to some good old-fashioned fun of Easter egg hunting. With over 1,000 eggs spread out, the kids ran wild.
Management staff worked the grill to serve lunch to the kids.
The kids also got a chance to ride in State Transportation bus and were taken to the range for a CRT and Alarm Response demonstration.
To wrap up the day of fun, every kid received a Kids Day challenge coin to commemorate the special day.
Submitted by Lt. E. Lewis
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