PA State Police Troop J — Lancaster Station
Camp Cadet of Lancaster County
A week-long overnight program for youth ages 11–14, building lasting relationships between young people and law enforcement — at no cost to cadets.
Our Mission
"Every cadet leaves with a deeper understanding of law enforcement and a connection to the officers who serve their community."
Camp Cadet of Lancaster County provides boys and girls of Lancaster and York Counties with a firsthand experience in law enforcement and public safety. Living in an atmosphere similar to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, cadets develop respect, teamwork, and an understanding of the criminal justice system — all in a fun, structured learning environment. The program is provided at no cost to cadets.
What Camp Cadet Builds
Respect
Cadets learn to respect authority, peers, and community — values that carry far beyond camp.
Service to Others
Through mentorship and structured activities, cadets discover the meaning of giving back to their communities.
Team Building
Working alongside fellow cadets and officer volunteers, young people develop leadership and cooperation skills.
Camp Details
One Week. A Lifetime of Impact.
Who Can Attend
Boys and girls of Lancaster and York Counties between the ages of 11 and 14.
Cost to Cadets
The program is provided at no cost to cadets and their families.
Counselors & Mentors
Troopers and municipal officers from Lancaster and York County agencies volunteer as camp counselors and mentors.
Most Recent Session
Millersville University — June 7 through 12, 2026.
Featured Program
Shop With A Cop
SWAC is one of Camp Cadet's signature community programs — pairing uniformed officers with children who have faced hardship for a holiday shopping experience.
Each participating child is escorted by a uniformed officer to shop for family gifts. The day concludes with a community lunch and gift wrapping. SWAC participants are coordinated through Camp Cadet program staff.
Complementary Program
Sunny Day Camp
Founded in 2016 by Trooper Samantha Minnucci, Sunny Day Camp promotes positive relationships between law enforcement and children and adults with special needs — because no one should be left out of learning about the agencies that serve their community.
Know a child who should receive Shop With A Cop?
Nominate a child from Lancaster or York County for our Shop With A Cop program — a holiday shopping experience pairing kids who have faced hardship with a uniformed officer. Nominations are reviewed by program staff.
SWAC participants are selected by nomination only.
Support Camp Cadet — your donation helps provide a free, life-changing experience for local youth.