Camp Cadet of Lancaster County
Who We Are
Camp Cadet of Lancaster County is a free, week-long overnight program for young people ages 11–14 — building trust, respect, and lasting relationships between youth and the law enforcement agencies that serve their communities.
Our Program
Camp Cadet of Lancaster County
Camp Cadet of Lancaster County is a week-long overnight camp for boys and girls of Lancaster and York Counties between the ages of 11 and 14, provided at no cost to cadets. The goal of Camp Cadet is to establish positive relationships with law enforcement personnel and introduce cadets to the criminal justice agencies and procedures that shape their communities.
Camp Cadet provides kids with an understanding of law enforcement responsibilities while living in an atmosphere similar to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. The program strives to instill respect, service to others, and team building in a fun, structured learning environment.
Troopers and municipal officers from Lancaster and York County agencies volunteer to serve as camp counselors and mentors to cadets — giving young people direct, positive exposure to the officers in their communities.
Most Recent Session
Millersville University
June 7–12, 2026
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.
Presented By
PA State Police — Troop J Lancaster Station
Pennsylvania State Police Troop J Lancaster Station serves Lancaster County with a deep commitment to community engagement. Troop J officers are dedicated not only to public safety but to building lasting, positive relationships with the communities they serve — especially the young people of Lancaster County. Camp Cadet is one of the most direct expressions of that commitment.
Troop J Lancaster is part of the Pennsylvania State Police, one of the oldest and most respected state law enforcement agencies in the nation.
Community Programs
Beyond Camp — Our Sub-Programs
Camp Cadet of Lancaster County is proud to support two complementary community programs that extend our mission of building positive relationships between youth, families, and law enforcement.
Shop With A Cop (SWAC)
A holiday shopping program pairing uniformed officers with children who have faced hardship — for a day of shopping, lunch, and gift wrapping that builds lasting community bonds.
Learn About SWACSunny 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.
Learn About Sunny Day CampKnow a child who should receive Shop With A Cop?
Nominate a child from Lancaster or York County for our SWAC program — a holiday shopping experience pairing kids who have faced hardship with a uniformed officer. All programs are free to families.
Support Camp Cadet — your donation helps provide a free, life-changing experience for local youth.