Currently accepting Applications for our July 4-10, 2027 camp!!
See the admission page to apply today.
About Camp Cadet
Northeast Florida Camp Cadet, Inc. empowers youth by building discipline, confidence, leadership, and resilience.
Camp Cadet is a free, one-week program for boys and girls ages 12–15, led by law enforcement officers from Clay, Duval, Bradford, and Nassau counties, along with active-duty military personnel. Designed to provide insight into law enforcement careers, campers experience a structured environment similar to a police training academy.
Held annually at Trinity Camp & Retreat Center in Melrose, Florida, the program emphasizes leadership, teamwork, self-discipline, self-esteem, and confidence while fostering lasting friendships.
Camp Cadet was founded in 1970 by Pennsylvania State Trooper Albert R. Vish, with the support of Troopers John Prandy and Robert Price. Since then, the program has expanded to more than 30 counties across Pennsylvania.
Northeast Florida Camp Cadet was established by retired Sgt. Kimberly Robinson of the Green Cove Springs Police Department. Having helped lead the Allegheny County Camp Cadet program in Pennsylvania, she brought the concept to Northeast Florida to provide local youth with the same life-changing experience.
Since its founding, Northeast Florida Camp Cadet has graduated twelve classes and looks forward to welcoming its 2027 class next July.
Training Program
At the heart of the Camp Cadet training program lies a modified law enforcement academy educational syllabus. Camp Cadet augments the syllabus with instruction in numerous categories, including:
- Drill and Marching Techniques
- CPR Certification
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Mock Criminal Trial
- Team Sports & Swimming
- Anti DUI &Drug Education
- Life Flight Helicopter Demonstrations
- K9 & SWAT Demonstrations
- Essay Writing
- Various Other Law Enforcement Topics
All instruction is presented via classroom and hands on training.