Lee County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League
The Lee County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League, what we commonly call SYAL (pronounced Sal) is a 501(c) 3, not for profit organization, dedicated to facilitate recreational, educational, cultural and social activities for the youth of Lee County.
SYAL operates in partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Parks and Recreation Department and other non for profit organizations, such as area YMCA’s. We are working with the support of local businesses and along side hundreds of volunteers to make our community better.
SYAL programs and activities are making a huge impact in the lives of the youth in Lee County. Here are some examples:
Archery Program
We have the largest archery program of its kind in the country with more than 120 children participating and dozens of certified archery coaches throughout Lee County. The program’s most important priority is to teach children safety, patience, and discipline. We have created partnerships with the Lee County Parks & Recreation Department, Nations Association Charities, Fort Myers YMCA and the Bonita Springs YMCA.
Our archery teams practice year around with breaks that mirror the school year calendar. Practice sessions are held once a week with competitions periodically throughout the year. One of SYAL’s long term goals is to provide children the tools to become great citizens of this nation. Program’s offered with our partners usually fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up as soon as one is announced.
Teen Driving Challenge
This program is a multi-agency partnership with the Florida Sheriff’s Association, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff’s Youth Activities League. It is held in the Buckingham area once a month, twice a month during the summer. This two-day program is for teens either licensed or issued a learner’s permit. The course consists of a four-hour classroom session on day one followed by practical driving exercises and demonstrations on day two. Participants will gain a greater appreciation for the physical dynamics involved in turning, backing and crash avoidance along with a strong emphasis on safety and responsible driving behavior.
Participating teens are required to:
- Have a driving permit or operator license
- Be between the ages of 15 to 19 years old
- Have a working vehicle with insurance
Click on the Teen Driving Challenge tab on the home of our website page for the class schedule.
Tice Pool Project
Another great partnership with the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department benefitted the Tice community the last two years. An initiative resulted in the reopening of the public pool located on Glenwood Avenue in Fort Myers. Weekend openings allowed the youth to find a cool spot during the summers. An average of 95 children showed up at the weekly event to have an awesome time with our volunteer lifeguards who happened to be Sheriff’s Office deputies and Explorers who provided instruction in water safety and basic swimming.
T.O.O.L.S. (Teens Outstanding Occupation Leadership Solution)
This program is an example of an amazing partnership with a local business, Harley Davidson of Fort Myers. It was a successful program that culminated in 2012. Organizers are hopeful the T.O.O.L.S. program will return in the coming school year.
Back in 2012, SYAL selected 10 high school students for the T.O.O.L.S. program. With guidance and assistance from the Harley Davidson mechanics, these young people dismantled a Pan Head 1959 Harley Davidson motorcycle and rebuilt it. The motorcycle was raffled off with the proceeds benefitting the continuing programs if SYAL.
Basketball
Continuing our partnership with the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department, SYAL sponsors a basketball tournament once a year in the Lehigh Acres Community at Veterans Park.
The basketball tournament is run by the recreation staff and volunteers from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies assist with coaching and mentoring the athletes who participate in this event. The support from our volunteers is paramount. We are creating positive interactions with law enforcement officers and the community.
These are some of the many activities that SYAL organizes and operates. We support many more events and programs in Lee County.
Become a partner in progress for our community!
A donation can be made to the Sheriff’s Youth Activities League by sending a check payable to:
Lee County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League
13300-56 S. Cleveland Ave, Suite 56, Mailbox # 201
Fort Myers, FL 33907
The SYAL is a 501.c 3 # 26-1557408 registered charitable organization and donations are fully tax deductable
For more information contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Public Services Division at (239) 477-1395. Or contact Executive Director, Lt. Larry King (239) 258-3285 Email: lking@sheriffleefl.org
Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities or learning more about SYAL, contact:
Lieutenant Larry King
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Public Services Division
1039 SE 9th Pl., Suite 201
Cape Coral, Florida 33990
Office Phone (239) 258-3285
lking@sheriffleefl.org