The City of Griffin hosts multiple programs designed to offer Griffin-Spalding residents the opportunity to learn more about local government. Programs go behind the scenes and experience the wide range of government functions, services, activities, challenges, and how to get more involved. Programs are designed for both adults, 18 years or older, and youth, 15 years and younger. Programs are free to attend. Youth programs are limited to the first twenty campers due to safety and require a parent meeting prior to the start of camp in order to attend. For additional questions on Citizens’ Academies or Youth Camps, please contact Danielle Hancock at 770-229-6408 or email dbhancock@cityofgriffin.com.

Citizens’ Government Academy

A 10-week adult program with hands-on activities and open discussion for an in-depth look into the City of Griffin. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the City Manager and Board of Commission, tour City facilities, and learn from each department that makes up the City of Griffin. Citizens’ Government Academy is held on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm, with dinner provided at each class. The 2024 Citizens’ Government Academy will begin on Thursday, September 5, 2024, and continue until Thursday, November 7, 2024. For more information, please email Danielle Hancock at dbhancock@cityofgriffin.com. To register, click here.

Citizens’ Public Safety Academy

An 8-week adult program with the Griffin Police Department and Griffin Fire-Rescue. Participants will learn firsthand about public safety operations through a series of lectures, field trips, simulated activities, and similar training experiences that an actual police officer or firefighter receives. Citizens’ Public Safety Academy is held on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm, with dinner provided at each class. The 2024 Citizens’ Public Safety Academy will begin on Thursday, March 28, 2024, and continue until Thursday, May 16, 2024.  Registration is required. For more information, please call Lt. Krueger at 770-229-6450.

PD Youth Camp

A week-long summer camp for children who are 11 years old to 15. Campers will learn (Nerf) gun safety, effective driving (with golf carts), SWAT, and more. The 2024 PD Youth Camp is Monday, June 10, 2024, through Friday, June 14, 2023, from 8:30am to 3pm. Lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Registration begins May 1, 2024. To register, email Lt. Brandon Walden at bwalden@cityofgriffin.com. 

Citizens’ Government Academy Jr.

A week-long summer camp for children who are 11 years old to 15. Campers will go behind the scenes and experience the wide range of government functions with hands-on activities, facility tours, and fun experiences to showcase with makes the City of Griffin great. The 2024 Citizens’ Government Academy Jr. will begin Monday, July 15, 2024, and end Friday, July 19, 2024, from 8:30am to 3pm daily. Lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Registration begins May 1, 2024. To register, email Danielle Hancock at dbhancock@cityofgriffin.com.

Camp Fire

A week-long summer camp for children who are 11 years old to 15. Campers will get a firsthand experience of the life of a firefighter while learning fire safety, how to use the equipment, and the importance of the job. The 2024 Camp Fire is Monday, June 24, 2024, through Friday, June 28, 2024, from 8:30am to 3pm. Lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Registration begins May 1, 2024. To register, visit the Fire Administrative Headquarters at 1420 Ellis Road.