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‘On the move:’ Clinton County Camp Cadet in full swing

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Cadets march between activity stations at Camp Cadet on Wednesday, which this year was hosted at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven.

LOCK HAVEN — 46 students from in and around Clinton County are getting a hands-on introduction to emergency services this week through Camp Cadet, a youth program hosted at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven and sponsored in large part by the Clinton County Community Foundation.

Organized by the Clinton County Police, the week-long camp offers a structured, immersive experience modeled after a police academy, complete with marching drills and military-like discipline. The goal is to spark interest in careers as emergency responders — a field facing growing challenges with recruitment and retention.

Throughout the week, campers participate in activities led by a combination of volunteers, law enforcement officials, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other first responders.

“We keep them on the move,” said Michelle Peters, the girls’ assistant director who has been with the program for over a decade.

Wednesday — the third day of the camp — was packed with activities spanning the full spectrum of emergency response. In one session, the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office set up a mock crime scene, giving campers a chance to learn about forensic investigative techniques. In another, students explored the inner workings of the city fire company’s apparatus — with some even taking a joy ride in the basket of a ladder truck.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Cadets practice CPR compressions as part of their learning experience.

Cadets also got to meet members of the Williamsport Police Special Response Team, who answered questions and showed off their tactical gear.

They also practiced performing CPR chest compressions, a life-saving skill Peters said has already made an impact.

“One of our cadets was able to use his CPR skills (in practice),” Peters shared, proudly.

For 11-year-old Briar Stover, the experience has already shaped her future goals.

“I want to be a cop,” Stover said. “I think what they do is cool, and I could teach other kids how to be better.”

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Members of the Williamsport Special Response Team share information about their jobs in law enforcement while showing off their tactical gear.

She admits, however, that standing at attention in the July heat can be a challenge.

“Sometimes it’s hard staying still when there are bugs on you,” said Stover. “They crawl up your pants and into your shirt — it’s not even funny!”

But the challenges are intentionally baked in.

“We want you to step outside of your comfort zone, and if you don’t do things that scare you, you’ll never grow in life,” said Camp Director Harold “Dutch” Rinker, a retired state police lieutenant who oversees the week-long program.

During lunch on Wednesday, Rinker awarded Cadet Grieco a “challenge coin” — a recognition given to campers throughout the week who push themselves outside their comfort zones. Grieco earned hers during Tuesday’s self-defense class, when she overcame her fear and participated.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS The Clinton County Community Foundation is a proud sponsor of the Clinton County Police Camp Cadet program, which annually works to teach kids about respect, pride, discipline, teamwork and fun. The CCCF presented camp cadet with a grant funding check worth $11,300. The grant funding breaks down to $9,500 for the week-long camp and $1,800 for the one-day Clinton County Police Lacy Day Camp to be held at the Castanea Picnic Grounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23. Shown above with the cadets are, from left, Harold Rinker, camp director; Don Grant, Foundation board secretary, and in the back, Bob Rolley, Foundation outreach coordinator.

Part of the camp’s mission, Peters says, is helping students understand that many of these roles — from EMTs to volunteer firefighters — are filled by people who donate their time to serve others.

“They’re doing it because they want to support their community,” she said. “Without those people willing to run out in the middle of the night and help someone, where would we be?”

Clinton County has a robust program, thanks to the many volunteers and sponsors who organize the event and mentor the boys and girls throughout the week.

“It’s a community effort,” Peters explained — much like emergency services.

“Is it fun? Heck yeah, it’s fun. Is it a lot of sweaty, hard work? Yep — and we sweat right alongside them,” she said.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Cadets can be seen riding in the basket of a ladder truck while learning about the role of firefighters.

One of the key contributors to Camp Cadet is the Clinton County Community Foundation, which has donated more than $150,000 to the program since its inception in 1991.

On Wednesday, Bob Rolley — former Express publisher and outreach coordinator for the foundation — presented the camp with a check for $11,300 to support its mission of training the next generation of first responders.

Camp Cadet is held every summer, and organizers are always looking for new volunteers to join the effort.

“We need more staff — some younger blood. I can’t keep doing pushups like this,” Peters said with a laugh.

Those interested in participating in Camp Cadet may contact the organizers online by email at campcadet1991@gmail.com or visit the camp’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ClintonCountyCampCadet.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Students take a look at the features of one of Citizens’ Hose Company No. 1’s apparatus.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Cadets listen to Alan Sementelli form Central PA CPR Training as he explains proper chest compression form.

Starting at $3.69/week.

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