Pennsylvania Launches Youth Camp for Future Law Enforcement Leaders

Pennsylvania teenagers interested in careers in law enforcement or military service now have the opportunity to participate in an immersive training program. The Pennsylvania State Police, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania American Legion, has opened applications for the annual Elmer Hafer–American Legion–State Police–National Guard Youth Camp. Scheduled from June 7 to June 13, 2026, this six-day camp will take place at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg.

Designed for students aged 15 to 17, the camp offers a comprehensive experience that challenges participants physically, mentally, and ethically. According to Acting State Police Commissioner Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, the program aims to cultivate essential qualities such as leadership, discipline, self-esteem, and confidence. Bivens emphasized that the camp prepares cadets for leadership responsibilities while fostering a sense of pride in public service.

The curriculum includes a rigorous schedule that features police scenario training, physical fitness activities, drill and ceremony, forensics, and legal instruction in traffic and criminal law. Additionally, cadets will engage in water survival training, marksmanship, and team-building exercises, all designed to reflect the real-world demands faced by law enforcement officers and military personnel.

Participants will also have the chance to visit the State Police Academy in Hershey and the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center in Lebanon County. These visits provide a unique insight into the professional training environments that shape future service members.

Major General John R. Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, noted the importance of such programs for families and students. “Deciding to serve the commonwealth or our country is a big step for young people and their families,” Pippy stated. He highlighted how this camp allows teens to explore their calling and gain a better understanding of what a future with the Pennsylvania State Police or the Pennsylvania Army National Guard might entail.

The camp will be staffed by professionals from the State Police, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and the American Legion, providing participants with direct mentorship and guidance. At the conclusion of the program, three cadets will receive $1,000 scholarships in recognition of their performance and leadership throughout the week.

To participate, applicants must demonstrate physical fitness, maintain good health, and uphold a strong academic record. The program is made accessible to all interested teens as there is no cost to attend, thanks to sponsorships from local American Legion posts.

Applications and further information can be found through the American Legion’s website at pa-legion.com. Additionally, the State Police offer regional Camp Cadet programs for younger students aged 11 to 15. Details about these programs are available through local Troop Community Services Officers via https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psp/contact-psp/csos-pios.

As Pennsylvania continues to develop future leaders in public service, the Elmer Hafer–American Legion–State Police–National Guard Youth Camp stands as a valuable opportunity for teens to engage with the challenges and rewards of service-oriented careers.