04/17/2026
A message from Sheriff Patrick McDermott:
Dear Youth Leadership Academy campers, families, and counselors,
I am reaching out with some difficult news about the Norfolk County Sheriff’s annual Youth Leadership Academy. After considerable deliberations, I have made the heartbreaking decision to suspend operations of our beloved academy. This decision takes effect immediately and means the 2026 Youth Leadership Academy sessions will not happen this summer.
The suspension of our Youth Leadership Academy, which has served thousands of children aged 10 to 14 across the county for some 20 years, reflects the current fiscal reality faced by the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office and the Commonwealth.
We had been hopeful we could continue to offer our Youth Leadership Academy this summer after previously making other cost-conscious decisions, which included:
Reducing the number of academy sessions from nine weeks to six weeks.
Reducing the number of counselor positions available based on the condensed schedule.
Previously suspending offerings at our YLA in Medway.
The NCSO has operated without a deficit for the last five fiscal years and a recent report by the Office of the Inspector General recognized that effort. The report stated offices like ours should be commended for the prudent use of public dollars.
Today’s decision reflects our commitment to that fiscal prudence and responsible budgeting of taxpayer dollars.
On behalf of the NCSO, I offer our profound apologies to the hundreds of children and families who have registered for the academy in Braintree. I also deeply regret the effect of this decision on our dedicated academy counselor interns who are a critical part of our academy’s popularity and success.
As we work through these challenging fiscal times, we are exploring ways to bring back the Youth Leadership Academy in the future. I will continue to keep the community informed of those efforts.
Any payments received for this summer will be returned.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
Thank you for your understanding and your many years of support for our academy and the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff McDermott
