Toms river police foundation cancels once popular junior police camp for second straight summer

The Toms River Police Foundation has canceled its Junior Police Camp program for a second consecutive year, disappointing families who hoped the longtime summer program would return in 2026.

Children hoping to participate in Toms River’s Junior Police Camp this summer will once again be left without the popular program after the Toms River Police Foundation announced its cancellation for the second year in a row.

The foundation, a private non-profit which relied on active police officers to run the program, emphasized that the decision was made independently and was not directed by Toms River Township officials. The organization did not say why it could not continue the camp with volunteers or retired police officers.

Key Points

• Junior Police Camp has been canceled for the second consecutive summer

• Township officials were not directly involved in the decision made by the private non-profit

• Foundation leaders say they hope the department’s Community Affairs Bureau can eventually be revived

In a public announcement, the foundation sought to clarify responsibility for the cancellation.

The cancellation means another summer without one of the community’s most recognized youth outreach programs, which introduced local children to law enforcement, teamwork, public safety education and positive interactions with police officers.

Foundation apologizes to families

The foundation acknowledged the disappointment many children and parents will likely feel after hoping the program’s absence last year was only temporary.

“We sincerely apologize to the many children and families who had hoped last year was only a temporary pause and were looking forward to participating in this incredible summer program once again,” the foundation said.

According to IRS filings, the foundation’s board includes former Toms River Police Department Public Information Officer Jillian Messina as treasurer. Messina is currently suing the township for wrongful termination. That case was filed before she landed a higher-paying job as the Director of Public Information for Ocean County.

Community outreach remains a priority

Despite the cancellation, the organization reaffirmed its support for the Toms River Police Department and its officers.

“We will always support the officers of the Toms River Police Department and their community outreach efforts,” the foundation said.

The statement also referenced hopes for the eventual restoration of the department’s Community Affairs Bureau, which has historically played a key role in youth engagement and public outreach initiatives.

Future of the program unclear

The Junior Police Camp has long served as a summer opportunity for children interested in learning about law enforcement, leadership and community service while building relationships with local officers.

While no timeline was provided for the program’s return, the foundation indicated it remains hopeful that circumstances will eventually allow the camp to resume.

“We look forward to the day the Community Affairs Bureau can be fully revived,” the organization said.

For now, families who anticipated participating this summer will have to wait at least another year to see whether the program can return. Despite reports online claiming the “township” canceled the event, the township has never hosted the camp, it was always operated by the foundation.

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