Camp Cadet builds understanding among youth, law enforcement
Local program to kick off ‘Lacy Day Camp Cadet’ for special needs kids, adults
PHOTO PROVIDED A $2,000 mock check is presented to the Clinton County Police Camp Cadet staff in support of the new Lacy Day Camp Cadet to be held Sept. 25 at the Castanea Picnic Grounds. From left, are Camp Cadet’s Cindy Rogers and Tammy Lannan; Ashley Lacy and her mom, Colleen; Dennis Trout, Foundation board president; Camp Cadet’s Judy Shoemaker, Hunter Shoemaker and Michelle Peters.
Retired law enforcement officer Charles Shoemaker speaks to participants at Clinton County Camp Cadet this week on the campus of Commonwealth University-Lock Haven. PHOTO PROVIDED
PHOTO PROVIDED An $8,000 mock check for the Camp Cadet from the Clinton County Community Foundation is presented to and by, from left, retired PSP Harold “Dutch” Rinker Jr., camp director; Scott Sorgen, assistant camp director and a deputy sheriff; a camp participant; Dennis Trout of the Foundation; another camp participant, and camp staff member Michelle Peters, a registered nurse and 10-year camp staff member.
PHOTO PROVIDED A $2,000 mock check is presented to the Clinton County Police Camp Cadet staff in support of the new Lacy Day Camp Cadet to be held Sept. 25 at the Castanea Picnic Grounds. From left, are Camp Cadet’s Cindy Rogers and Tammy Lannan; Ashley Lacy and her mom, Colleen; Dennis Trout, Foundation board president; Camp Cadet’s Judy Shoemaker, Hunter Shoemaker and Michelle Peters.
Retired law enforcement officer Charles Shoemaker speaks to participants at Clinton County Camp Cadet this week on the campus of Commonwealth University-Lock Haven. PHOTO PROVIDED
PHOTO PROVIDED An $8,000 mock check for the Camp Cadet from the Clinton County Community Foundation is presented to and by, from left, retired PSP Harold “Dutch” Rinker Jr., camp director; Scott Sorgen, assistant camp director and a deputy sheriff; a camp participant; Dennis Trout of the Foundation; another camp participant, and camp staff member Michelle Peters, a registered nurse and 10-year camp staff member.
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The goal of Camp Cadet is to provide an enjoyable experience that will be remembered by all cadets who attend and to create a lasting impression that police officers are their friends.
At the same time, the camp mimics the disciplined atmosphere at a police academy. One of the goals is to introduce participants to the professions of emergency first responders -- a job very much in demand.
Clinton County has a robust program, thanks to the many volunteers and sponsors who organize and mentor the boys and girls at a week-long camp here.
And as initially announced last year, Clinton County will host a one-day Lacy Day Camp Cadet in September, open to youth and adults with special needs, thanks to the compassion of law enforcement officers who run the camp.
Approximately 58 kids are attending this year's camp at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, including 20 girls.
All are ages 11 to 15. The fee is just $20 in Clinton County.
A number of participants are returning cadets.
Camp Director Harold "Dutch" Rinker Jr. is a retired state police lieutenant who oversees a dozen camp staff members -- all volunteers -- and support staff.
The kids are required to learn how to march in step under command and do so to and from the various venues during the week.
Participants are exposed to various detectives, police officers, rescuers, emergency medical technicians and other emergency first responders.
One program by the Clinton County District Attorney's Office sets up a fake crime scene explained by detectives who also go over investigative techniques.
A Special Weapons and Tactics or SWAT team will talk to the kids, and they'll be shown cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, techniques.
Station 29 out of Renovo provided manpower assistance with helping to teach the kids about medical service.
Former Camp Director and retired officer-detective Charles Shoemaker took time to thank the Clinton County Community Foundation, noting the camp has received over $155,000 since its inception in the early 1990s from the Foundation. He called the Foundation the camp's primary sponsor.
Two mock checks were presented to the Camp by Dennis Trout, Foundation board president.
A highlight of Wednesday's camp at mid-week was a press conference announcing some details and registration information for the Lacy Day Camp Cadet.
It will be free to special needs kids and adults and will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Castanea Picnic Grounds.
Retired police officer and county detective Charles Shoemaker said the Castanea Vol. Fire Co. donated the venue for the event.
The camp is named after Ashley Lacy, who had to drop out of last year's Camp Cadet when organizers found out she has special needs and could not endure the rigorous programs and activities.
She spoke Wednesday and called last year's experience "tough," but said it's one she will never forget.
The high honor roll student at Sugar Valley Rural Charter School beamed as Shoemaker called her to the stage to talk about her experience, and in particular a logo she helped to create for the one-day camp.
Accompanied by her parents, Colleen Xetchakis and Gerald Lacy, said she's very excited for Lacy Day Camp Cadet and invited special needs kids and adults to attend.
There will be a special registration for Lacy Day on Friday, July 12, at Lock Haven City Hall from 6 to 8 p.m.
Parents or guardians are encouraged to enroll their special needs loved one.
The deadline for applications is Aug. 25.
The Lacy Day Camp will include demonstrations by law enforcement, firefighters and medical emergency responders. The Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Unit will make an appearance, along with the Army National Guard, a K9 police dog and more. There will be face painting and crafts, too, Shoemaker said.
Shoemaker and his wife, Judy, were inspired by Lacy and donated $1,000 last year in honor of their special needs grandchild to get the one-day event off the ground.
Those interested in participating in Lacy Day Camp Cadet can also contact the Shoemakers online by email at campcadet1991@gmail.com, or charlesshoemaker47@gmail.com.
Or, they visit the camp's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ClintonCountyCampCadet. (Look for the latest posts).