In a unique way, the Board of Directors of the Westmoreland County Camp Cadet Association, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police, are striving to help our youth develop a better understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of law enforcement professionals. Through the Camp Cadet program, children (ages 12 to 15) from Westmoreland County form a positive relationship with me
mbers of the Pennsylvania State Police and civilian Board Members who serve as counselors. Many professional organizations volunteer their time to introduce the cadets to community programs and law enforcement services. Among the participating groups are: Greensburg Volunteer Fire Dept./Bloodhound Team, Mutual Aid Ambulance, Pennsylvania Game Commission, State Correctional Institution (Greensburg), Westmoreland County Coroner, and Westmoreland County Prison. During the weeklong camp, emphasis is placed on pride, integrity, respect, self-discipline, self-esteem, responsibility, teamwork and community awareness. Children (“cadets”) arrive on Sunday afternoon and reside with the counselors until their graduation ceremony on Friday evening
The Westmoreland County Camp Cadet Association (Non-Profit) operates through fundraisers and the generosity of community businesses and citizens. As a result, children from all social and economic backgrounds have the opportunity to attend the camp at no cost to them or their parents. The camp is capable of accepting a maximum of fifty (50) cadets, and cadets are eligible to attend Camp Cadet only one (1) time. If greater than fifty (50) applications are received, preference is given to children that are 15 & 14 years of age. Children, ages 12 and 13, that are not accepted due to having reached the maximum limit with older cadets, will be held and those children will be given preference the following year.
