MANOR -- Fun wasn't the order of the day at Camp Cadet but that's what 55 Armstrong County kids interested in police work were having Wednesday as they looked for evidence, made arrests and went to court.
Cadets at the annual Kittanning state police sponsored week-long summer camp held at Lenape Technical School were busy doing the routine things police do when a crime is committed.
State police Sgt. Steve Ignatz, a counselor at the camp, said the group of 12 to 15-year-old boys and girls were having fun participating in a mock bank robbery and hearing. The kids found and photographed evidence, interviewed witnesses, made an arrest and went to court where District Justice J. Gary DeComo presided over the case, he said.
"They come here for the experience of seeing what law enforcement is all about," said Ignatz. "They're finding out police work isn't all cops and robbers. There's a lot more involved."
Other fun things to do at the camp include a visit from a police dog, meeting an FBI agent, getting handcuffed, a karate demonstration and going up 75 feet in the air in a fire truck basket.
The cadets even went to the new jail and the courthouse where they met the judge, sheriff and district attorney.
"Pick any hands-on things we give them and they enjoy it," said Ignatz.
Not everything was fun at the camp. Some cadets had to get over an initial bout with homesickness and one fell and broke a tooth.
"We have a good bunch of kids," said Ignatz. "We're enjoying having them."
