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Dear Sir or Madam,
I am pleased to introduce you to an exciting, free program for youth in Allegheny County: the Camp Cadet program. In 2004, the Pennsylvania State Police, in collaboration with the Allegheny County Police Department and the Allegheny County Sheriff's Department, brought this valuable camp experience to the area. The Camp Cadet program was originally founded in 1970 by Trooper Albert R. Vish of the Pennsylvania State Police. Thanks to his tireless efforts, Camp Cadet became a reality, with the support of John Prandy (deceased) and Robert Price (retired P.S.P.). Their dedication helped establish the first camp in Butler County. Over the past 40+ years, Trooper Vish's vision has inspired the creation of similar Camp Cadet programs in nearly 30 counties across Pennsylvania. Camp Cadet is a tuition-free, one-week camp for boys and girls, ages 12 to 14, that provides a unique opportunity to learn about law enforcement while experiencing an environment similar to a police academy. Local police officers from the Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Department, and Municipal Police serve as counselors and instructors. The program focuses on improving self-discipline, building self-esteem, and promoting teamwork while helping participants develop confidence and make new friends. The camp is open to all youth who reside in Allegheny County, are between the ages of 12 and 14, and are in good physical condition. Please note, this is not a boot camp for troubled youth, but rather a positive experience designed to offer a comprehensive introduction to police activities, including physical training, mock crime scene investigations, mock criminal trials, and various team-building activities. As a non-profit organization, Allegheny County Camp Cadet is funded through community donations, so there is no cost to attend. This year marks our 20th anniversary, and we are excited to continue offering the youth of Allegheny County a chance to challenge themselves in a supportive, educational environment. I believe you will find this program to be a great asset to our youth and the wider community. Please find attached a schedule outlining a typical day for a cadet during camp. For more information about the Allegheny County Camp Cadet, please contact Trooper Melinda Bondarenka, Camp Director at (412) 335-8139. Thank you for taking the time to review this material. We hope you will consider becoming an investor in the future of our youth and community by supporting the Allegheny County Camp Cadet program. Thank you for your support! Sincerely, Tpr. Melinda Bondarenka, Director Allegheny County Camp Cadet PA State Police |
CAMP CADET LEADERSHIP
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EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Mike Spagnoletti Vice President: Robin Mungo Secretary: Theresa Oto Treasurer: Cathy Bly Director: State Trooper Melinda Bondarenka Co-Director: Deputy Sheriff Jason Tarap Co-Director: Officer Bobbie Bertalan |
BOARD MEMBERS
Website/Social Media Chair: Nicole Mahaffey Hospitality Chair: Carol Adams Kickoff Committee Chair: Jamie Cunningham Cruise for Cadets Committee Chair: Shelley McClellan Andre LaVan Deann Dupree Kim Sweeney Leo Rudzki Mark Gouza Kaitlyn Michelessi Lakyn Holly Terrance Whitehead Corrine Lowery Shawn Hudzinski Jim Ciocco |
Camp Cadet Anthem – “We Are Allegheny County Camp Cadets”
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Verse 1
We build self-esteem and discipline New challenges, while making friends At Camp Cadet, we build on dreams Hard work and diligence Builds Character and confidence At Camp Cadet, we build on dreams Chorus Re: 2 times We are Camp Cadets, we’re proud Camp Cadets We’re Allegheny County Camp Cadets |
Verse 2
Teamwork, development Our participants pay no expense At Camp Cadet, we build on dreams Self-esteem and discipline Builds character and confidence At Camp Cadet, we build on dreams Chorus Re: We are Camp Cadets, we’re proud Camp Cadets We’re Allegheny County Camp Cadets |
