Local Police Agencies Looking For Recruits For Camp Cadet

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- We're a long way from summer, but local police agencies are looking for young people to attend Camp Cadet.

"We don't want anyone to think that this is an opportunity to have your child turned around because of a disciplinary reason. This is a camp for kids that are doing the right thing," Trooper Robin Mungo, of the Pennsylvania State Police. "We are looking for kids ages 12 to 14 that reside in Allegheny County."

But this isn't about riding horses and playing by the pool.

"We don't let them watch TV. We have no iPods, no cell phones, no newspapers," said Deputy Jason Tarap, of the Allegheny County Sheriff's Department. "They are not allowed to eat candy. We give them three squares a day plus one snack before they go to bed and it's a healthy choice snack."

Camp Cadet takes only 64 kids each year. The application process opens today and runs through April 15. Applicants must interview to earn a spot.

After a week away, the kids come home changed.

"They are going home, making their beds. They are saying, 'Yes sir. No sir. Yes ma'am. No ma'am.' Some kids start a workout routine," said Trooper Mungo.

Camp Cadet is modeled after the State Police Academy, and the relationships formed that week last a very long time.

"We are writing letters for them for college. We are writing letters, talking to them about schooling or for jobs. It never stops," said Deputy Tarap. "We have built these kids and given them tools for life that will go on forever and they can utilize."

Trooper Mungo & Deputy Tarap on Pittsburgh Today Live:

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