More than 120 local youngsters enjoyed a treat over spring break at Chapman University as participants in the Orange County Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP) soccer camp held in April.

The annual program sponsored by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office is operated with support from local universities and provides select students in grades four through eight with an organized sports experience and exposure to a college environment.

Soccer workshops led by professional players and law enforcement officers, a campus tour, a Chapman-hosted lunch and police dog demonstrations were among the highlights of the day.

One eighth-grade boy from Orange gave the experience high praise – and not just for the soccer.

“It teaches me to be more respectful than I was back in seventh grade,” he said. “It helps me to be responsible and respectful of others.”