• Camp Cadet of Somerset County, Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization that is run by members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Somerset County and Somerset Turnpike Barracks, local law enforcement and supporting adult and youth agencies. The program consists of a week-long camp for youth 13 to 15 years of age from Somerset County. It is customarily held the last full week of July.
    Once at camp, Cadets are introduced to various aspects of the Pennsylvania State Police, such as patrol responsibilities and D.U.I. enforcement, criminal investigation, forensics, equestrian and Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) in addition to first aid / CPR and weapon safety. Instructions and presentations are also given by volunteer fire and ambulance company members, Agents from the A.T.F., United States Secret Service, F.B.I. and officers from the PA Game Commission. Appearances are made by helicopters belonging to the Pennsylvania State Police, Conemaugh Hospital and the military. Cadets will also be introduced to physical training, team building exercises, confidence and obstacle courses.

    A highlight of the week is the rappelling and climbing tower, in addition to a rope course that includes the “zip” line. An “off site” day includes a hands-on radar demonstration on SR 219, a tour of the old Somerset County Jail, the P.S.P. Somerset County Barracks, the State Correctional Institution at Somerset, the National Guard Armory in Friedens and a trip to the Flight 93 crash site near Shanksville.The participants stay in a barracks atmosphere and are introduced to military discipline just as a Cadet would be in the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. The week-long program is ended with a prestigious graduation ceremony with parents in attendance.

    All applicants are interviewed and screened. No youth are admitted that have been involved negatively with law enforcement. Any inquiries about Somerset Camp Cadet can be directed to Tpr. William Petras.

    All expenses are paid for Cadets who participate in the week-long program!