Pennsylvania Youth Camp Prepares Teens for Service Careers

Pennsylvania teens interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement or the military will have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the Elmer Hafer–American Legion–State Police–National Guard Youth Camp. This immersive six-day program is scheduled to take place from June 7 through June 13, 2026, at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg. The camp is open to students aged 15 to 17 and aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the demands and responsibilities associated with public service careers.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania National Guard, and the Pennsylvania American Legion. According to Acting State Police Commissioner Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, the program strives to develop essential skills such as leadership, discipline, self-esteem, and confidence. He emphasized that participants will leave the camp with practical skills, lasting connections, and a heightened sense of pride in serving their communities.

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

As part of the experience, cadets will visit the State Police Academy in Hershey and the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center in Lebanon County. These visits will provide an inside look at 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, highlighted the camp as a valuable opportunity for families and students to explore service-oriented careers.

“Deciding to serve the commonwealth or our country is a big step for young people and their families,” Pippy stated. “Programs like this let teens explore that calling up close and see what a future with the PSP or the PANG might hold.”

The camp is staffed by personnel from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and the American Legion. At the conclusion of the program, three cadets will be awarded $1,000 scholarships in recognition of their performance and leadership during the camp. Participants must demonstrate physical fitness, good health, and maintain a strong academic record.

Thanks to sponsorship from local American Legion posts, there is no cost for students to attend the camp. Interested applicants can find more information and submit their applications through the American Legion at pa-legion.com.

In addition to this program, the State Police also operate regional Camp Cadet programs aimed at younger students aged 11 to 15. Details about these programs can be obtained from local Troop Community Services Officers, accessible through the Pennsylvania State Police website.

This youth camp exemplifies a proactive approach to fostering the next generation of leaders in public service, providing them with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in their chosen paths.