By Marcia Moore
SELINSGROVE — Fifty-four members of Susquehanna Valley Law Enforcement Camp Cadet crowded around a $25 million U.S. Army Apache helicopter moments after it made an impressive landing near the Susquehanna University field house.
The demonstration was part of the third annual week-long Camp Cadet experience that gives youths between the ages of 12 and 15 from Northumberland, Snyder, Union and Montour counties a glimpse of the criminal justice system.
The cadets rise early and are kept on a rigid schedule that includes physical training, marching and teamwork-building activities as well as visits from area law enforcement agencies that will include a self-defense demonstration, search diving team and a mock accident.
The exhibitions offer a respite from the grueling physical activity, said cadet David Capatch, of Lewisburg.
“We’re getting thrashed every day, every minute,” the 15-year-old said. “My friends said they survived (last year’s camp). I knew it would be rough.”
