MEADVILLE, Pa. (EYT) — Almost 100 young men and women reported to the Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet program at Allegheny College in Meadville Sunday afternoon, June 17, including 11 Venango County residents.

(Pictured, Kneeling, left to right: Gwen Siegel, Romalda Rhoades, Claire Kriebel.  Standing, left to right: Magnum Vincent, Trooper Jason Siegel, Jacob Brown, Hunter Bilotto, Anthony McFeaters, Joshua Hacherl, Elizabeth McFeaters, Evan Mullen, Senior Cadet Mariah Vincent, Trooper Cassandra Miller)

Camp Cadet is open to young men and women, ages 13 to 15, who reside in Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Venango Counties. Students begin applying online in January, and interviews begin in May.

“It’s a camp for anyone with an interest in challenging themselves or with an interest in law enforcement,” said Trooper Michelle McGee, Community Services Officer, PSP Franklin.

Cadets undergo five days of intense physical training, learning to march in formation. They attend instructional seminars in Allegheny’s classrooms and the PSP Northwest Training Center at Meadville.

Daily activities begin at 5:30 a.m. with physical training and a flag raising ceremony.

Troopers instruct cadets on felony traffic stops, radar-speed devices, taser use, and building searches.

Classes provide instruction by PSP forensic experts who gather evidence at crime and drug-seizure scenes.

Additional instruction is given on PSP polygraph operations, meth lab investigations, computer crime issues, and mental health matters. Cadets tour the PSP helicopter as troopers with the PSP Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), which demonstrate their skills responding to barricaded people with weapons.

North East Erie County District Judge Scott Hammer holds a mock trial explaining his judicial duties presiding at criminal cases initiated by law enforcement.

A demonstration of K9 attack dogs is also held.

Cadets also undergo a drill inspection formation by Troop E Commanders.

Cadets’ training exercises culminate in formal platoon marching drills at graduation. Every evening cadets participate in field competition games, including push-ups, sit-ups, obstacle course events, and ball games.

“I think camp cadet is a great experience for all youth,” McGee said. “Aside from learning and seeing law enforcement in a unique way, it teaches young people a lot about themselves. The transformation we see from Sunday to Friday is incredible.

“All of the things we instill here we want them to take with them on a lifelong path to success.”

Graduation ceremonies begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2018, at the Allegheny College Wise Sport and Fitness Center, 493 Highland Avenue, Meadville. Attendees should arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. for seat selections before ceremonies begin. Parking is available near the complex.