Juvenile gangs are a problem in Austin, and police departments in the city are working to prevent kids from joining criminal gangs in the first place.
One of the biggest programs run by Austin ISD Police and Austin Police, the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Camp, started Monday at Martin Middle School.
Police said fourth graders with a lower economic status are at greater risk of being recruited into a gang.
"There's a perception that the gang life is going to provide them with a lot of money but when you have nothing, if somebody comes up to you with $50, that is a lot to them," said Bonnie Caudill, one of two Austin police officers that are part of the Joint Juvenile Gang Unit with Austin ISD.
Around 100 campers saw and learned first-hand what first responders do and the equipment used, ranging from armored vehicles to robots, horses and helicopters. The goal is to get the students to see helping others is not only helping the community, but more fun as well.
Police said juvenile gangs are responsible for a wide variety of crimes.
"They're breaking into houses, they're breaking into cars, they have access to weapons, they're stealing guns out of houses," said Caudill.
"They're just walking around trying to act all cool...That they're really bad people and they steal stuff and they do really bad things," said Ryan Campbell, 10, about gangs.
Police said gangs are recruiting younger and younger.
"There is a gang problem. There are documented gang members in every high school and most middle schools in Austin... I believe it's starting to trickle down. I believe the youngest gang member that I documented was 10 years old," said Caudill.
There is an extra police presence at the GREAT Camp as a precaution following the deaths of three police officers in Baton Rouge on Sunday.