Pocono News Section

Lycoming Kids Learn About Law Enforcement

Lycoming Kids Learn About Law Enforcement - Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 3:56PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Jun 18, 2008 @ 03:56pm EST
South Williamsport, Lycoming County-

A camp for kids is surrounded by state police and emergency service agencies this week. But not to worry, it's a good thing. They're all in Lycoming County for Camp Cadet.

About 70 kids from across Lycoming County are spending the week in South Williamsport learning from various law enforcement agencies. Cadet Melanie Santo explained, "You do a lot of great things here and learn about what's right and what's wrong and what you need to do in order to keep safe."

Game Commission officials were on hand teaching the kids about bears. And demonstrations were given by LifeFlight and State Police helicopter pilots. Cadet Nile Ulmer said, "Camp Cadet's a good camp to send your kids to. It's fun and educational, and it doesn't cost much."

The camp runs all week long, with different activities each day. Thanks to the generosity of businesses and private individuals, the cost for these kids to attend camp is only $20.

Organizers hope many of the kids attending camp will share Cadet Nile Ulmer's opinion when they leave. "This has made me think more about getting into the field of law enforcement," Ulmer noted.

In the 33 years since the camp began, many have agreed. Lycoming County Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Nelson explained, "What we do find is that we have counselors here that did go through our camp."

Those counselors are law enforcement and emergency services personnel currently working in the county.

Nelson added, "The biggest thing is that the kids understand we're not just about arresting people, hauling them away. That law enforcement is educational, and we're here to help them make good choices in their lives."

In addition to the educational aspect of camp, the kids also take part in many hands-on activities. That includes crime scene investigation, weapon firing, self-defense and more.