The 4th Annual Baltimore County Police Department Baseball Camp is scheduled for June 24 to 28. Precinct 12 Dundalk will host the camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Merritt Point Park located at 7800 Dunmanway in Dundalk 21222.

The week-long camp focuses on underprivileged and at-risk youth from ages 8 to 14. It is free to participants nominated by local schools, recreation councils and other programs. There will be “skills and drills” for the participants in the morning and games after lunch. A cookout is scheduled on the last day of camp.

Officer McElfish, a 25-year veteran of the department who works in Precinct 12 Dundalk, began this program in 2016. He was awarded the Baltimore County Police Foundation's Community Service Award this year for his dedicated efforts in creating and leading youth sports camps and his outstanding commitment to serving the community. He has also played in the minor leagues for the Cleveland Indians.

The camp helps to strengthen relations between police officers and young people.

Watch video from last year's baseball camp.

The First Annual Baltimore County Police Department Flag Football Camp is scheduled for July 23 to 27. Precinct 12/Dundalk will host the camp from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dundalk High School located at 1901 Delvale Avenue in Dundalk, 21222.

The week-long camp focuses on underprivileged and at-risk youth from ages 8 to 14. It is free to participants nominated by local schools, recreation councils and other programs. There will be "skills and drills" for the participants, as well as scrimmage games.

Officer McElfish, a 24-year veteran of the department, and Officer Minton, a 15-year veteran of the department, will inaugurate this yearly event.

The idea behind the camp is to bridge the gap between police officers and the young people in the area through sport. Seeing officers as people, not just uniforms, changes the perception many people have, especially our youth.