The Flagler County Sheriff’s Police Athletic League is adding a distinctly Scottish twist to its youth programming with the launch of a Youth Highland Games program, open to teens ages 12 through 17. The new offering arrives as the organization celebrates record participation numbers across all of its programs.
The Youth Highland Games introduces young athletes to traditional Scottish athletic events using modified, youth-friendly equipment designed for safety. Participants learn the caber toss, in which athletes balance and flip a tall wooden pole end over end while developing coordination and timing. The stone put is a shot-put-style event using a rounded stone instead of a metal ball, teaching explosive power and proper throwing form. The hammer throw involves spinning and releasing a weighted ball attached to a handle, building rotational strength and technique. The program also includes relay races and tug-of-war competitions that emphasize teamwork and strategy.
“This isn’t just about throwing heavy objects — it’s about building confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a completely new way for these athletes,” said Corporal Erlandson, Flagler Sheriff’s PAL Director. “We’re excited to offer something that celebrates tradition while giving our youth a fresh, challenging experience they won’t find anywhere else.”
Sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Carver Gym in Bunnell, and all equipment is modified to ensure accessibility for participants of all skill levels. The program focuses on fun, skill building, and character development.
“The PAL program is a great way for students to learn valuable skills while having fun and interacting with law enforcement,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “The Youth Highland Games are an exciting addition to an already jam-packed program.”
The Highland Games launch comes during a period of significant growth for the organization. Program registration jumped from 370 participants in 2024 to 541 in 2025, and monthly attendance now exceeds 1,132 Flagler County youth.
PAL continues to offer a wide range of programs beyond the Highland Games. Its boxing program provides structured training in technique, discipline, and confidence on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. for $65 a month. A volleyball program running from February 23 through May 15 at the G.W. Carver Community Center offers beginner and intermediate classes for ages 8 through 17 at a registration cost of $75, with participants competing against PAL programs from across the state. The Sheriff’s Office Explorers program, which has been running since 1986, offers hands-on law enforcement training and mentorship for youth ages 14 through 18 with meetings on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. The SWEAT program is a free initiative providing structure and accountability for at-risk youth referred by Teen Court or Civil Citation. A home school fitness program serves ages 5 through 12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PAL also operates an open gym from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, providing a safe space for youth to stay active.
PAL is a collaborative effort between law enforcement, professional support staff, and a board of directors made up of local business and community leaders. Its mission is to inspire and enable at-risk youth to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Throughout 2025, the organization hosted and participated in numerous community events including the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, Tri-County PAL Boxing, CSI Camp, an extended day summer camp, Shop with a Cop, Christmas to Remember, a Safety Expo, a Back to School Jam, and multiple holiday celebrations. Volunteers, sponsors, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office work together to provide children in Bunnell, Flagler Beach, and Palm Coast with positive activities and meaningful connections with law enforcement.
An upcoming highlight for the program is on February 26, 2026, when Flagler Sheriff’s PAL will be represented at the St. Johns County Fight Night at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, with at least one PAL boxer competing.
The Flagler Sheriff’s Police Athletic League is an independent nonprofit corporation and registered 501(c)(3) committed to what it describes as “Cops Helping Kids.” For more information about the Youth Highland Games or other programs, registration, or volunteer opportunities, residents can visit flaglersheriffspal.com or contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-586-2655.
