Kids got to enjoy a special day of fun with Nassau police Friday in Lido Beach.

It marked the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association's annual block party at Camp Anchor. The camp serves hundreds of people with special needs, and the Nassau PBA gets in on the fun every summer.

Camp director MaryAnn Hanson says it's important to bring police officers and campers together.

"Many of our kids have to have the police enter into their lives for many reasons," she says. "It's a wonderful thing for them to be able to relate to a police officer on a fun level."

Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder agrees.

"When you see the smiles on these kids' faces, that's community policing at its best," Ryder says.

This year's event marked the camp's 50th summer season, and it came with a big reason to celebrate: Hempstead town officials have announced a plan for Camp Anchor's expansion.

The camp was awarded $124,000 from a private foundation, and the funds will go toward new construction and more staff and training for more campers.