Camp Cadet Offers Glimpse of Police Work

Pennsylvania State Police's Montgomery County Camp Cadet program wrapped up Friday, Aug. 19, after a week of training, physical activities and challenges, and various demonstrations that give pre-teens and young teens a look at life in law enforcement. Campers are from different parts of the commonwealth, and the Montgomery County camp is one of more than 20 in the area.

The cadets share the facilities with the Kweebec day campers.

Before the cadets marched -- in formation -- to their graduation ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Friday, they spent a portion of the day checking out the equipment and vehicles from ChesMont Emergency Response Team and the Station 81 HAZMAT truck, as well as heard a talk from Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol and a search dog demonstration.

Before the squads of cadets -- in maroon, red, blue, green, orange or navy T-shirts -- checked out the demonstrations, they stood together and recited the Call of Honor pledge.

"I am proud of myself, and I believe in myself," they said together.

Trooper Morgan Crummy, who is the community services officer for Troop K at the Skippack Barracks, has spent four years with the camp. This is her first year as camp director.

"The kids are phenomenal," Crummy said. "They've seen demonstrations that they'll remember for the rest of their lives. Some of the kids who have attended in the past have gone on to have careers in law enforcement.
"This is a great group," she added. "We instill in them to have respect for each other and to work as a team."