Media advisory

Duo of father-son pairs a highlight of the 2026 Youth Academy

April 22, 2026 - City of Prince George, British Columbia
From: Prince George RCMP

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For the first time in Prince George Youth Academy history, Prince George RCMP hosted a duo of father-son pairs as participants and facilitators in the week-long training event. 

Staff Sergeant Sascha Baldinger, in charge of Support Operations for PGRCMP, and Corporal Scott Sieffert, part of the Training Unit with PGRCMP, both witnessed their sons take part in the Youth Academy, which ran from March 15-21 at College Heights Senior Secondary School. 

We sat down with the pairs and asked them what their experiences were like. Here’s what they had to say:

What were your impressions of this year’s Youth Academy?

Lukas: I thought it was really cool and helpful to see into what it’s like to be in Depot or the RCMP. It was hard but also fun, but the fun overrode the challenging part of it. I like how a lot of stuff was hands on, you’re in the moment and how there were other RCMP officers there to help you, to talk about what they would do or how they see the situation. It was interesting to see what the other students with you would think about the situation. 

Gabe: It was probably the most fun thing I’ve done in my life, to be honest. It was so much fun to do. It was one of my favourite times because I got to write down as many notes as I wanted and have fun learning about the RCMP, because I was always so curious about it. My favourite activity was drill, because I liked the marching and everything. It’s really out of the box, not something we would ever do in any other area of our life.

Were you shocked by the schedule and having to move around as a troop?

Lukas: The mental aspect of waking up and all that, was a surprise. But the physical stuff wasn’t too bad. The early mornings were a wake-up call, just trying to get through the day. It’s hard not to fall asleep in a dark room during a presentation, but if we were doing something hands on or exercising, it wasn’t too bad. You kind of felt a part of the troop, I don’t think anyone felt left out, because everyone was just together and we all worked together, they taught us to do that. If anyone was falling behind, we all helped. I think it brought us together and helped everyone.

Gabe: Well, I knew about waking up early because I thought there would be a lot that needed to be covered. But I didn’t know we stayed up until 11 – I thought it would be around 10:00, maybe. But we were really hyped up after scenarios, so then that was closer to 12:00. But it was still really fun. 

Were you thinking of joining the RCMP before doing the Youth Academy?

Lukas: Yes, that’s what interested me in taking the Youth Academy. I’d say if someone wants to join the RCMP or was thinking about it, there would be no downside to doing. It was really fun and rewarding.

Gabe: Before I did the Youth Academy, I was thinking maybe the RCMP or maybe a trade. But now that I’ve done this, it’s now confirmed as my number one choice. 

What was your favourite unit that came to demonstrate or teach at the Youth Academy?

Lukas: Street Crew and then ERT. Street Crew showed us a lot of what they did, like weapons that they confiscated from people and stuff like that. And then ERT did a lot of that but even more of their technology. And then we even got to break down a door, so it was fun. 

Gabe: ERT and Forensics, because it was really cool learning all the stuff about forensics, but then ERT showed up and gave us a battering ram and a prop door to bust down, so that was really fun. The hands-on part of ERT was my favourite thing, but Sergeant Keen had a lot to teach about the intricacies of forensics. He brought in some pig’s blood and showed us how they get it to glow (fluoresce) with luminol. 

What was it like seeing your son take part in the 2026 Youth Academy?

Staff Sergeant Baldinger: It was incredibly rewarding and pride‑inducing to watch my son fully immerse himself in the Youth Academy. Seeing him take on every challenge with determination was something I’ll always remember.

Corporal Sieffert: It was really a surreal moment to see my son dressed up in the youth academy gear and running around going from class to class making sure not to be late.

Did seeing him participate in the Youth Academy bring back any memories of your training?

Staff Sergeant Baldinger: Absolutely! It brought back strong memories of my own training, especially the drill portion and the scenario‑based exercises. Those moments reminded me how demanding yet formative that experience can be.

Corporal Sieffert: Honestly, watching him run to form up for the next class, drill, PT or mess brought back memories of being at Depot and forming up as a troop. We had to form up outside in Regina, Saskatchewan in February so it was even colder and windier.

How does it feel to see your son take an interest in following in your footsteps? Can you see your son as a Mountie?

Staff Sergeant Baldinger: It makes me extremely proud to see him take an interest in the work I do and the career I’ve dedicated myself to. I think hearing about both the fun and challenging moments throughout my career has given him a unique and realistic perspective. I did have initial reservations about how he would handle the experience, but he exceeded them at every turn. He showed the desire, capability, and resilience that I truly believe will make him a great Mountie.

Corporal Sieffert: It is nice to see him take an interest in what I do for a job, he has moved all over this country with my different transfers, from the Northwest Territories to Saskatchewan and a few different spots in B.C. I can see him becoming a Mountie; he has a way with conversing with people to make them feel at ease and he has an uncanny memory, which will help him with this job. 

What was a highlight of watching your son participate, or of the Youth Academy in general?

Staff Sergeant Baldinger: The highlight of the week for me was participating in the regimental dinner, a tradition‑rich event, and being able to share that moment with Lukas. Experiencing that alongside the graduation ceremony truly capped off an unforgettable week.

Corporal Sieffert: My highlight for him was watching him and his troop do the drill marching for their grad ceremony and then receiving his certificate from the Inspector.

Students – if this sounds interesting to you, keep an eye out at your schools in September for the 2027 Youth Academy applications! Don’t miss out on an exciting opportunity to learn hands-on what the training to become a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is like. 

Associated links

• RCMP Youth Academy - SD 57 CAREER PATHWAYS

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