Chesco kids seek achievement, growth and pride
By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times
AVONDALE– The Pennsylvania State Police, Avondale Barracks recently hosted its free, week-long ‘Camp Cadet’ for approximately 120 Chester County youth. Founded locally in 1971, this annual mid-August event partners both local and state law enforcement to provide positive life skills, foster relationships with law enforcement, and also provide a traditional summer camp experience for 11 – 13 year olds from across the county. The camp is state-wide; but is organized and fund-raised for on a county by county basis.
Camp Saginaw, Oxford, is home to the Chester County Camp Cadet experience. Troopers and other specially selected representatives from law enforcement, both male and female, donate a full week of their time to serve as camp counselors. “The camp focuses on teaching kids respect for themselves and others. This is not a boot camp, we are recruiting kids to a better way of life through bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities we serve,” PA State Police Community Service Officer, Tpr. Samantha Minnucci, “We do not want kids to be afraid of us…we our jobs every day because we want children to be safe and because we care.”
To be eligible for Camp Cadet, children must be 11 and not yet 14 by the first day of camp and must live in, or go to school in Chester County. Priority is given to youth who will ‘age out’ of the program and campers represent towns from across the county. Cadet cabins are separated for boys and girls and staffed by law enforcement volunteers of the same sex.
Minnucci says, “Kids get first-hand exposure to seeing our K9 units at work, dust for fingerprints, how to properly handle evidence and attend sessions on anti-drug and alcohol abuse…Kids are also given CPR training and water safety lessons. This all happens in addition to traditional camp experiences like swimming and canoeing.”
Camp Cadets receive CPR and water safety training.
Motivation is also a big part of the camp’s message; campers start their day off with physical training and activity and are challenged to do a little bit better than the day before. Minnucci enthusiastically reports, “It’s amazing to see the Cadets progress by the end of the week!”
The cost to send 120 youth to this camp is nearly $40,000 which includes lodging and uniforms. In April, the PA State Police – Avondale Barracks hosts its annual golf outing fundraiser. Area sponsors from small and large companies, personal donors and members of the community come together to ensure that the camp’s legacy can continue and meet its fundraising challenges.
Camp Cadet also takes time for some traditional summer camp fun including swimming, canoeing and ice-cold treats.
Camp Cadets are held to high standards of personal responsibility and are required to attend a pre-camp orientation, during which, camp rules are reviewed. “The orientation helps get rid of the ‘jitters’ for our campers and we also discuss how fighting, bullying and foul language are not tolerated. Cadets who do not adhere to the rules will be disciplined,” says Minnucci, “Campers are absolutely responsible for their own actions.”
To learn more about Chester County Camp Cadet and to make a donation, visit: www.cccampcadet.org
