For fifty years, the Camp Cadet program provides young people positive experiences with law enforcement for the primary purpose of improved community relations. It is only fitting that the Pennsylvania State Police receive recognition for creating Camp Cadet. Unique for its time, Camp Cadet was conceived to reach young people differently than previously done by law enforcement. This unique program continues within Butler County where it originated and expanded elsewhere throughout Pennsylvania as well as other states.
Camp Cadet brings youth together with law enforcement for the primary purpose of improved community relations. The goal was for youth to gain a better understanding of law enforcement through building a better relationship with youth. Such a successful program which expanded to other states deserves to be documented. For 50 years, Camp Cadet provided youth positive experiences with law enforcement. The reader will learn about the societal challenges that prompted creating Camp Cadet. Never previously reported insights are provided, as can only occur by those who began and sustained the program. The ups and downs and recollections are envisioned to encourage continuation of this program with a sincere outreach to the youth of America.