GLOSTER &045; Teenagers in Gloster are learning valuable life lessons while sizing up careers in law enforcement through an explorer post established by the Boy Scouts of America in conjunction with the Gloster Junior Police.

Seven members of the post were honored at a banquet Saturday night for their participation in the Gulfport Police Department’s annual Explorer Academy &045;a weeklong camp that offers teen counseling along with training in a variety of police work.

&uot;Don’t let me down, and don’t let yourselves down,&uot; Baton Rouge Police Training Academy Sgt. Jeff Ledouf told the uniformed youngsters, who gathered at the National Guard Armory for Saturday’s event with about 150 family members, friends and local elected officials.

Ledouf &045; a 20-year veteran motorcycle cop who volunteers each year at the Explorer Academy &045; challenged the scouts to use their heads, hands and hearts to be successful.

&uot;Learn something new every day, and show the world something positive.

Tell somebody every day that you love them,&uot; Ledouf said.

The Explorer Academy &045; open to boys and girls ages 14 to 20 &045; offers a rigorous physical fitness program along with classroom instruction in traffic control, investigations, report writing, defensive tactics and CPR.

&uot;We take children and give them the tools they need for the rest of their lives,&uot; Ledouf said.

Zachary Spradlin, a 16-year-old student at Amite County High School, said his time at the Explorer Academy has been a positive experience.

&uot;I like the intensity of it. I was already thinking about going into law enforcement,&uot; said Spradlin, who became involved in the program after officials from the Gloster Police Department visited his school.

Other area teens honored at the banquet for their participation in the Explorer Academy are Mayada Woodard, Durwood Murray, Stephen VanDusen, Jeremy Smith, Ronnie Reese and Sophilia Anderson.