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CU-Lock Haven hosts 2025 Clinton County Police Camp Cadet

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (07/29/2025) — From July 14-20, Commonwealth University-Lock Haven welcomed 52 youth cadets to the 2025 Clinton County Police Camp Cadet program held at various locations across campus. Open to youth ages 11-14, the program offered a weeklong immersive experience in law enforcement, emergency services and public safety.

Throughout the week, cadets engaged with local, state and federal agencies with activities designed to provide hands-on experience, foster discipline and encourage teamwork and leadership. Activities included assemblies, education, instruction and more, on areas such as CPR, crime scenes, fire safety and traffic stops. The cadets also experienced daily barracks inspections, a visit from a PSP helicopter and traveled to the US Fish and Wildlife Commission in Lamar. Recreation time was also included in their day with sport activities such as basketball, volleyball and badminton.

"Camp Cadet is a fantastic program for our youth, and members of the university police are glad to have it take place on our campus," said Chris Prescott, CU-Lock Haven chief of police. "It gives us the opportunity to meet with the cadets and participate in several of the camp activities throughout the week. It's encouraging to see the cadets, at this young age, showing this level of interest in police, firefighting and related professions."

At the conclusion of camp, a graduation ceremony was held involving a full military inspection followed by the presentation of awards, trophies and the issuance of plaques to all cadets.

Participating agencies included:

Pennsylvania State Police - Lamar Barracks, Aviation and Mounted divisions
Lock Haven Police Department
University Police - CU-Lock Haven
Clinton County District Attorney's Office
Clinton County Sheriff's Department
Clinton County Juvenile Probation Department
Clinton County Communications Center
Magisterial District Judge Keith Kibler
DCNR - Ranger Division
Pennsylvania Game Commission
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Central PA CPR
Station 22
Lock Haven Fire Department
Woodward Township Police Department
South Williamsport PD K-9 Unit
Penn State University Bomb Squad
Trout Unlimited - Lloyd Wilson Chapter
Master Terry O'Connell - Self Defense Instructor
Civil Air Patrol

Camp Cadet was formed in 1970 by Trooper Albert R. Vish, of the Pennsylvania State Police. In 1991, Clinton County police officers hosted its first Camp Cadet program, co-founded by Charles Shoemaker, CU-Lock Haven police supervisor, who continues to serve as president. Over the years, the program has graduated more than 2,300 cadets, according to its website.

For more information about the Clinton County Camp Cadet program, visit www.clintoncountycampcadet.com/.