HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Police announced that 1,774 youths graduated this year from 22 Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet programs held throughout the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania State Police Troopers, local law enforcement, and other community volunteers staff the weeklong camps, which are held during the summer months. The goal of the camps is to encourage positive relations between youth and law enforcement while promoting self-confidence, leadership and self-esteem within the cadets.

Camp Cadet actively seeks interested youth between the ages of 11 and 15. Participants gain a better understanding of law enforcement through hands-on equipment demonstrations and classroom discussion while simulating an actual law enforcement training environment. Other camp activities include team-building exercises, physical training and various outdoor activities. Each camp is funded through community donations to allow cadets to attend with little or no cost to their families.

“The Camp Cadet program is a valuable way to promote positive relationships between the youth and communities of Pennsylvania and law enforcement personnel,” said Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker. “The positive experience provided by these camps can transcend generations to include parents, children and even grandparents. It is not unusual to see cadets grow up to join the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police.”

Each Troop throughout Pennsylvania holds at least one of these camps per year. Some may hold multiple camps depending on the geography and size of the area.

TO find out more information about next year’s Camp Cadet Program, visit www.psp.pa.gov, or call your local State Police Station.

The Camp Cadet program was started in 1970 by retired Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Albert Vish. The first program was held in Butler County, Pa.