Do you have what it takes?
IT TAKES GRIT, DETERMINATION, AND A SENSE OF TEAMWORK. WE BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE IT, AND WE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO FIND IT INSIDE OF YOURSELF. IT’S A LOT OF FUN TOO WITH COMPETITIONS, POLICE DEMONSTRATIONS, & ACTIVITIES.
Troop D Camp Cadet is an opportunity for youths (ages 12 through 15) to get a taste of the PA State Police Academy training. Overcome challenges, have fun, and build relationships that will last forever – become a cadet.
Who can apply for Basic?
Youths of good character who will be between the ages of 12-15 on the first day of camp and reside in Butler, Beaver, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties can apply. Applicants must be in sound physical, mental, and emotional conditions.
What will I experience as a Cadet?
You will embark on a life changing experience through discipline and regimentation realizing that everything in life is possible. There are fun activities and police demonstrations as well. The 5 day camp will run from 9am to 3pm daily and will give you a better understanding of daily life as a police officer. You will be challenged mentally and physically on your way to achieving success while gaining unwavering self-confidence and determination. Strong bonds will be built between you and your classmates and your law enforcement leaders as you endure the challenges, have fun, and achieve success as a team relying on one another.
Who is Troop D Camp Cadet for?
Troop D Camp Cadet is for youths who are interested in a challenge and building a strong moral character or who have an interest in law enforcement or military careers.
For Parent
Troop D Camp Cadet offers a unique opportunity for youths to build moral characters and develop strong leadership traits. The foundation of the program is discipline and regimentation as we recognize the importance of these factors and their benefit to an individual and society. The goal of Troop D Camp Cadet is to introduce participants to the diverse criminal justice system and establish a positive relationship with law enforcement personnel. Camp Cadet is structured similar to training at the police academy. Cadets are required to participate in all scheduled events and quitting the camp is not an option. The camp focuses on discipline, self-esteem, teamwork, drug and alcohol education, violence prevention and many other issues facing today’s youth.
How will Troop D Camp Cadet benefit your child?
Troop D Camp Cadet is conducted in an atmosphere of discipline and regimentation. Your child will learn how to apply these standards to his or her life. They will also learn or build upon their existing self-discipline, respect, self-respect, patriotism, honor, teamwork, leadership, and other character traits which are essential for life success. It is our goal to provide all cadets with the tools to develop them into the most honorable citizens with the ability to lead others while building a strong relationship with law enforcement officers.
How much does it cost?
Families are charged only a $25.00 registration fee / child due at the time of application. If a family cannot afford the registration fee, they may contact us for a possible alternative. Alternative cases must remain limited; so, please only make sincere requests in dire cases. All funding is graciously supplied by individuals and business donors.
Safety:
Safety is our primary concern. All activities are supervised by adults. Almost all counsellors are law enforcement personnel and a network of older youths serving in “jr. counselor” capacities aid the senior staff. All adult staff members are cleared through PA State Police criminal history checks as well as have Child Abuse Clearance certificates.
History
In 1970, Camp Cadet was founded in Butler County, Pennsylvania for the youth of our area to participate in a worthwhile program to foster a good relationship and solve issues of misunderstanding between young people and the police. This opportunity would not be possible without the vision, turned reality, of Retired Trooper Albert R. Vish. He, along with retired Troopers John Prandy (dec.) and Robert Price, created an opportunity to provide youth with a positive attitude toward the law enforcement profession. Thousands of youths have now taken part in the experience thanks to many law enforcement officers, businesses, and citizens who have selflessly dedicated enormous amounts of time, energy, and money for the youths.
There are now 26 Camp Cadet programs throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with Troop D Camp Cadet being the original. Troop D Camp Cadet also holds the distinction of being the first and only Camp Cadet to offer more than one year of opportunity for the youths. In fact, Troop D Camp Cadet offers Basic (Phase 1), CCLD – Camp Cadet Leadership Development (Phase 2) which was founded by Anthony Tripp and Kaleb Martin in 2013, and P.I.P. – Principles In Practice (Phase 3) which was founded by Emily Kesten and Gavin Terwilliger in 2015.Each program can be attended in three consecutive years and each benefit the youth in different ways.
The expectation in all phases is that the cadets will gain personal satisfaction and learn valuable character and leadership traits through instruction and overcoming challenges during their week at camp which is immersed in an atmosphere of discipline and regimentation. Today’s objective is to build moral leaders and strengthen character in the areas of self-discipline, respect for self and others, patriotism, and integrity.
Although Camp Cadet is not a recruiting tool for law enforcement or the military, it does provide valuable insight to youths who may have an interest in such careers. For others it may even spark the interest for a cadet to follow in the career choice of those law enforcement personnel who prove to be a positive influence in their life.
Through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers and state and local law enforcement personnel, Camp Cadet continues to be a positive experience for all involved.
Troop D Camp Cadet is only made possible by the generous donations of individuals and businesses.
We welcome your interest in participating in or supporting the Pennsylvania State Police Troop D Camp Cadet program.