This year marked an exciting new chapter for Camp Cadet as the program found its new home at Lamar Lighthouse Camp in Porter Township. President and Co-Founder of the Clinton County Police Camp Cadet, Charlie Shoemaker, stated, “This is by far the best campus we have ever had.” Pastor and Camp Director of Lamar Lighthouse, Bill Hargenrader, added: “We are so blessed to have a partnership with Camp Cadet.”

The move to the new location also allowed several beloved traditions to return after being absent for several years due to past location limitations. One of those traditions included the well-loved police escort departure from Central Mountain Middle School.

Girls Week ran from June 15-20, welcoming 18 cadets, followed by Boys Week from June 22-27, with 34 cadets participating. With a dedicated team of 19 staff members, Camp Cadet successfully delivered another impactful year of leadership training and mentorship.

Throughout both weeks, cadets engaged with local, state, and federal agencies in hands-on activities designed to foster discipline, teamwork, leadership, and confidence. Training included assemblies, educational presentations, and practical instruction in areas such as CPR, crime scene investigation, fire safety, and traffic stops.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS The Girls Class for 2026 Camp Cadet is pictured, made up of 18 cadets.

Cadets also experienced daily barracks inspections, a visit from a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter, and a trip to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility in Lamar. Recreation remained an important part of the camp experience as well, with volleyball, intense tug-of-war competitions, and other team-building activities.

Two of the biggest highlights this year were the return of the water barrel races and bicycling activities.

The water barrel races gave cadets an exciting, hands-on experience using fire hoses to push a barrel from one side of the field to the other, competing in platoons. This event was made possible through a partnership between Lamar Lighthouse and the Nittany Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Another memorable activity involved bicycling. For some cadets, it was their first time ever riding a bike, allowing them not only to learn a new skill but also to build confidence and perseverance.

In addition to camp activities, Camp Cadet held a special check presentation with the Clinton County Community Foundation. The foundation continues to play an extraordinary role in helping make Camp Cadet possible through ongoing support and generosity. This year, a generous $10,000 donation was presented by Rev. Don Grant of the Clinton County Community Foundation with Elijah Rinker, a 4th-year Honor Cadet, and Cole Dressler, a 3rd-year Senior Cadet, on behalf of Camp Cadet.

When asked for advice to future cadets, 3rd-year Senior Cadet Cole Dressler shared: “Listen well and do what you’re told,” Cole said. One of his favorite Camp Cadet memories has been mentoring others and helping fellow cadets learn, grow, and succeed.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A scene from the 2026 Camp Cadet is pictured.

The Clinton County Police Camp Cadet is always looking for volunteers to help make the program a success each year. For more information, visit Clinton County Police Camp Cadet on Facebook and follow the program on Instagram.

Clinton County Police Camp Cadet would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all of their generous sponsors who helped make this year’s camp possible. Your support directly impacts the lives of their cadets and helps them continue their mission. The list of sponsors includes: Action Equipment, American Legion (Renovo), Brigandi, Gleghorn, and Haffley Insurance, Big Mountain Designs, Bill’s Happy Camper, Busy Beaver, LLC, Castanea Fire Company, Central PA Auto Auction, Central PA CPR, Central Storage, Citizens Fire Company of Lock Haven, Citizens Fire Company of South Renovo, Clinton County Community Foundation, Clinton Pallet Co., Cottage Restaurant, Country Store Meats, Croda, Crystal Vision Center, Dave and Sarah Strouse, Deb and Pat McCleanahan, Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Dunkin (Lock Haven), Dr. Suzanne Edwards, East Side Fire Rescue Company, Faber Burner Company, First Quality, Forty and Eight Club, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Haven Barber Shop, Kiwanis Club of Bald Eagle and Nittany Valley, Knights of Columbus, Leo’s Italian & Specialty Food, Lock Haven Sons of Italy, Lock Haven Kiwanis Club, Loyal Order of Moose, Loretta Coltrane, Love’s Disposal, Lydens Market and LMR Tire, Mark and Laura Williams, Marconi’s Auto, Mike’s Mountainside Auto Body, Miller Brothers Auto Sales, Miller’s Gun Shop, Mill Hall Kiwanis Club, Nestlerode Contracting, Pine Mountain Dental, Ransom Awards & Trophies, Raymond Office Works, Red Cross Conclave, Redman Complete Comfort, Rennie Rodamel Agency, Renovo American Legion, Renovo Elks, Renovo Sons of Italy, Safe Transportation, Service Garage, Southern Clinton County Sportsman Club, Susquehanna Transit Company, Susquehanna Valley Big Twins, The New Love Center and Walmart (Mill Hall).

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A scene from the 2026 Camp Cadet is pictured.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A scene from the 2026 Camp Cadet is pictured.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A scene from the 2026 Camp Cadet is pictured.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS A scene from the 2026 Camp Cadet is pictured.