The Amherst and The University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Police Departments will host an annual Youth Adventure Academy each July.
This years' Academy will be Monday, July 21st - Friday, July 25th, 2025.
Students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grades are eligible to attend. There is no cost to attend the academy. However, as the academy is limited to 20 participants, preference will be given to Amherst residents and UMASS affiliated families (ex. parent/guardian are employees or students at UMASS).
Similar to a Citizen Police Academy, The Youth Adventure Academy allows participants to learn
The summer program will be one week of instruction consisting of foundation movements and skills that ultimately lead into more complex techniques. These skills allow for the protection of self and escape from harm if found in a precarious situation.
Come join us at Pondfire.! This event was started during covid and due to its popularity has continued ever since. It is now run several times a year. Step One: Come down to the pond between 4 and 9pm. Step 2: Stop at the table near the Minuteman Statue and get a S'Mores kit. Step:3 find an open seat at one of the many fire pits and enjoy the fire while you roast your Smores. We will take care of the fires so you don't have to. We hope to see you there!
Every semester UMPD and CMASS (Center For Multicultural Advancement and Success) partner to run the UMass Ultimate Race.
Who races?
Student and sometimes Faculty/Staff teams of 3.
What do they do?
Teams of three solve "clues" that lead them to locations around campus. Once they arrive they perform a "Challenge" before they will receive their next clue to solve that will send them to the next location. Typically there are between 12 and 15 locations/stops in the race.
When its over!
Once the race is over all racers and volunteers celebrate with wing, pizza, beverages
The program is eight weeks of instruction consisting of foundation movements and skills that ultimately lead into more complex techniques. These skills allow for the protection of self and escape from harm if found in a precarious situation.
The UMPD Instructors
Our instructors come from a variety of self-defense and martial arts backgrounds. Combining years of training and knowledge has resulted in a comprehensive and well-rounded program. From Taekwondo to kickboxing to jujitsu, we draw on techniques from each to provide safe and simple skills
On behalf of the men and women of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Police Department, we welcome you to our web site. We have the honor and privilege to work together with the community to make the campus a safe and respectful environment in which to live, learn, and grow.
