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2024 Camp Dates


Boys’ Week: July 28 – August 3, 2024
Girls’ Week:
August 4 – August 10, 2024


Please send your child with a water jug or bottle with their name written on it. If you do not have one, no sweat, we will have extras to distribute if needed.


Applications are being accepted for 2024 starting April 1, 2024:

Click here to apply


What is Camp Cadet?


Camp Cadet provides a week-long experience for boys and girls ages 12 through 15. They are exposed to law enforcement activities and are given an opportunity to know police officers on a personal basis. All cadets will develop new friendships and share experiences that will last a lifetime.

Camp Cadet provides an atmosphere of a police academy. Emphasis is placed on leadership skills, team work and building self-esteem and self confidence in the cadets. Camp Cadet is open to boys and girls ages 12 through 15, who reside in Centre County, or who attend any school in the county.

Read on for more details about Camp Cadet.


Activities


During the week, cadets have an opportunity to participate in law enforcement demonstrations presented by the Pennsylvania State Police, FBI, officers of the Fish and Boat Commission, the Game Commission, and local police, fire, and EMS. The program is held at a local camp, in an outdoor setting that permits the cadets to participate in a variety of enjoyable and exciting activities. Every cadet will have the change to participate in activities such as:

  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing
  • Softball
  • Volleyball
  • Mountain Biking
  • Zipline
  • Archery

In addition to these activities, cadets will be “detectives,” learning how to process crime scenes and investigate a bank robbery from the start, all the way through the trial of the defendants. Cadets will learn to safely ride motorcycles, shoot rifles and participate in self defense. An emphasis is also placed on teamwork and building friendships through group challenges and ending each day with a campfire and s’mores.

Watch the video above for an inside look at all camp activities.


Cadet Qualifications


Camp Cadet is open to boys and girls, ages 12 through 15, who reside in Centre County, Pennsylvania, or who attend any school in the county.


Medical Examination


To keep up with the strenuous daily schedule of events, applicants should be in good physical condition. Cadets are required to have a physical examination by their own physician and returned prior to camp.


How to Apply


Applications are available on or after April 1. They can be obtained at any school, law enforcement agency in Centre County, or on this website. To be considered the application must be completed and returned before the registration period ends.

Click here to apply


Appointment of Cadets


Generally, there are not enough spaces available for all applicants. Qualified applicants are generally given preference and selected on the following basis:

  • Age – Applicants 15 years old will be selected first, since they are not able to apply again to the program after this age.
  • Previous Applicants – Youth who applied to the program during the previous year, but were not selected because of a large number of applicants will be given preference.


Staff


Members of the camp staff are primarily officers from law enforcement agencies in Centre County, including the Probation Office and Sheriff’s Office. Other staff includes those involved in emergency services (EMT’s) or those in the judicial systems (ADA’s, MDJ’s, etc.)

Volunteers are also used to supplement the staff and may be from the local schools.


Dates


Camp is held during two weeks of the summer, Sunday through Saturday. One week is for girls, the other week is for boys.


Fees


The actual cost of Camp Cadet is $225. We ask that financially capable families consider paying the full amount. Otherwise, there is a $100 minimum donation required to cover the cost of insurance. Need-based scholarships are available; income guidelines will apply.


Location & Transportation


The camp is located at Camp Blue Diamond located at 4013 Blue Diamond Dr. Petersburg, PA 16669 (approximately 20 miles Southwest of State College, PA). More information about Camp Blue Diamond is available by clicking here. Cadets are required to provide their own transportation to and from Camp Cadet.


Uniforms


Cadets are issued an official Camp Cadet t-shirt to wear for the graduation ceremonies. Business sponsored t-shirts are provided for Monday – Friday use. Interested business sponsors should contact the State College Police Department at (814) 234-7150.


Military Discipline


The program requires youths who attend to accept military discipline and to participate in close order drill, marching, personnel and barracks inspections.


Graduation


Graduation is the highlight of the Cadet’s week-long experience. The graduation ceremony involves a full military inspection conducted by local police officials, who present the cadets with certificates, awards, and trophies.