A student set to graduate from Portage Collegiate Institute is going to get a bit of a head start in his pursuit of a career in law enforcement this summer. Seventeen year-old Samuel Doyle is set to attend the RCMP Youth Depot Camp in Regina in August, and is one of only ten Manitobans to be selected for the opportunity.

His interest in policing resulted in discussions with the Portage School Division's career development coordinator, who helped set him up with experience with the local RCMP. From there, he was encouraged to apply for the depot camp, to help him learn more about what a career in law enforcement is all about. While the camp is still a few weeks away, Doyle is excited for the opportunity.

"I feel it's a great opportunity to see what it's like to be in the training for the RCMP. I just felt it was a great honour to be one of the ten people in Manitoba to be chosen to go to this youth camp. I feel honoured to be chosen for that role."

He says his family was ecstatic to hear he'd be attending the camp, and have been very supportive. Doyle says with camp less than two months away, he's doing what he can to get ready.

"I've just been in the habit of always going to the gym, I'm going as much as I can for one or two hours a day. I've been mentally preparing myself too, for the hard training that's going to be going on there."

Meanwhile Career Development Coordinator Blair Hordeski says they're thrilled to see Doyle selected for the camp.

"We're just absolutely ecstatic for Samuel, and he has earned this. This is an amazing opportunity for him. He was so fortunate, he had full support from our local RCMP detachment in order to get some experience here in Portage la Prairie."

Constable Amber Moyer provided first hand experience prior to his application for the camp, as she took him for two evening ride-alongs. She notes she interviewed Doyle after hearing he was interested in policing, and decided to take him along as she responded to a few local calls. Moyer says the depot camp is a great chance for Doyle to get a clear look at what RCMP training is like, adding his passion for policing is quite apparent.

"I could see his passion and interest in it, so I contacted D Division recruiting in Winnipeg to ask about the RCMP Depot Camp. It takes place at depot for one week in the summer, and students will go out there and experience depot life for one week. They'll eat there and live there, and I thought he'd be a great candidate."

Doyle will be attending the second week of the camp, which is set from August 14th to the 20th.