Camp Cadet of Somerset County, PA 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 weeklong camp for youth 13 to 15 years of age from Somerset County. For 2024 Camp will be held at Camp Sequanota during the week of August 11-16.

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.

Instruction and presentations are also given by volunteer fire and ambulance company members, Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (A.T.F.), United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigations (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, self-defense, team building, confidence and obstacle courses.

A highlight of the week is the rappelling and climbing tower in addition to a ropes course that includes a zip line. Off site visits include a hands-on radar demonstration, a tour of the old Somerset County Jail, Pennsylvania State Police Barracks, State Correctional Institution at Somerset, National Guard Armory in Friedens and a trip to the Flight 93 Memorial Site near Shanksville.

The cadets stay in a barracks style atmosphere and are introduced to military discipline just as a Cadet would be in the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. The weeklong program is completed by 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. All inquiries about Somerset Camp Cadet can be directed to TFC. Bill Petras

All expenses, for Cadets who participate in the weeklong program, are paid for through generous donations from our local community, businesses and supportive individuals. Thanks to them, there is no cost to cadets to participant in the Camp Cadet Program.