Aug. 16--WHITE HAVEN -- It is a typical summer scene to see a big group of youths having fun together at camp.
What has been taking place since Sunday at Camp Cadet, however, is anything but typical.
Those attending the Troop P Cadet Program at Camp Kresge in White Haven are there to learn what it takes to be a Pennsylvania State Trooper.
Campers, who complete the rigorous but fun week-long program, graduate Friday evening.
It is an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.
"The cadets get structure here -- a lot more than what they're used to," Trooper Tom Kelly said Wednesday. "It is a culture shock for most of these kids, but once they get used to it, they start to enjoy it. By the end of the week, a lot of them don't want to leave."
The cadets surrender many of their freedoms when they enter the camp. They are not allowed to drink soda or eat sugary snacks, nor are they permitted to use any type of electronic device.
Each day begins at 5:45 a.m. with a siren blast that brings the campers outside for morning formation.
At 6 a.m. they begin their morning physical training, usually consisting of a 1 1/2 mile run followed by push-ups and sit-ups.
The cadets have breakfast at 7 a.m. and get ready for the day's training, which teaches them the basics of what it means to work as a police officer.
"We have a lot of different genres of law enforcement come out and instruct the cadets," Kelly said. "The FBI came out to give a class. We had helicopter pilots explain what their job entails. The K-9 units are here. This is very similar to the training for the state police."
At the conclusion of a day's training, the cadets are able to partake in what the instructors call "disciplined fun," which usually means swimming or some type of competition between the cadets.
Nearly 80 youths attended this year's camp. All campers are between 12 and 15 years old and hail from Wyoming, Bradford, Sullivan, and Luzerne counties. Many are there because they have an interest in becoming police officers.
"The cadets aren't here to make a career choice," Kelly said. "But they can get a feel for whether or not law enforcement is for them. Some are pretty gung-ho when the week starts. By the end they think that maybe this type of work isn't for them."
On Wednesday, after formation and physical training, the cadets spent their morning rock climbing and repelling, followed by classes on how to inspect a vehicle and how to make an arrest.
Trooper Jason Cesari taught the classes on vehicle inspection and arrest tactics.
"I love coming out here to work with the kids," said Cesari, who has been with the state police for 18 years. "The transformation they make in one week is amazing. They learn how to work together and how to be respectful. On Friday afternoon a lot of the parents can't believe they are the same kids."
Many of the cadets said they found something challenging about the camp -- especially the morning runs -- but they also were quick to add that it is a lot of fun.
"I have a little trouble with the runs, but I'm getting better," said Cadet Alyssa Bankes, an eighth grade student at Wyalusing Area. "What I like best is that the people are really nice. The girls in my cabin are like my sisters now."
Copyright 2012 - The Citizens' Voice, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
