Testimonials / Cadet Comments
"I wanted to thank you again for everything you and your program did for my son. I could see the pride back in him. What you all do is incredible. I can't thank you enough for helping us." Parent of Cadet Eichenberger, 2021 Graduate
"I learned to be fast, obedient, and to thrive no matter what! So, go to Camp Cadet if you want to see how far you can go! Push yourself to the limit and never give up!” - Cadet Druhe, 2018 Graduate
"I want to thank every single sergeant for pushing me to my limit. This is an experience to remember. The people are great, I respect them. Every single cadet should be proud." - Cadet Carson. 2018 Graduate
"I am proud of all the cadets and myself because we didn’t give up. I am thankful for all the sergeants and the others for taking their time out of life to help others like they’ve helped the cadets and I." - Cadet Rowell, 2018 Graduate
"This week has been a roller coaster. I feel stronger than when I first stepped foot on the camp grounds. I feel very accomplished. I can’t wait for my parents to see me now. I feel like a whole different person." - Cadet Patino, 2018 Graduate
"Life will knock you down but this camp taught me to get back up and keep fighting." - Cadet Padgett, 2017 Graduate
"Camp Cadet has made a major impact on my life and I have become more aware of my abilities… This camp has made be become a better person as a whole. " - Cadet Lee, 2017 Graduate
"Everyone who graduates from this camp has ultimate bragging rights and the best experience of a lifetime." - Cadet Canipe, 2017 Graduate
"I’m so lucky and blessed to be able to experience a camp like this." - Cadet Taylor, 2017 Graduate
"I enjoyed the pool time, we had swimming competitions. I enjoyed the obstacle course and most of all I enjoyed the food. The best I’ve ever tasted….Sorry Mom." - Cadet Delehanty, 2017 Graduate
"I was able to tell them how I felt when usually I don’t say anything to anybody and how we motivate and help each other out is amazing." - Cadet Poole, 2017 Graduate
"Last year, my husband and I sent our son, Nicholas, to Camp Cadet. The Camp delivered exactly as promised! This is not about troubled kids needing help. This is about sending your good kids to help them develop leadership skills and other life skills for their future. We felt that Nicholas had the potential to be a good leader but he did not see that in himself and was not confident in that area. Because this camp is law enforcement/military-based, the camp staff members were able to help Nicholas find that part of himself and bring it out. Nicholas frequently brings up his experiences at Camp Cadet. He has recognized that the intangibles taught at this Camp can be applied to everyday life and he is better for it. We have seen him grow exponentially since Camp Cadet. He is more committed to school and sports, and most importantly, his future.
"Camp Cadet is truly a blessing and your child will reap many benefits from it for many years to come!" - Parent of Cadet Sisak
“I want to be a marine…I have changed myself for the better because of Camp Cadet, the greatest place on earth.” – Cadet Napier, 2016 Graduate
“You must break your boundaries, don’t be afraid, don’t say “I can’t” or “I’m done”. Keep going, don’t stop!” – Cadet Hernandez, 2016 Graduate
“I’ve had a blast at Camp Cadet and would recommend it to all my friends.” – Cadet Dasher, 2016 Graduate
“I came here for a challenge and I got a challenge.” – Cadet Mixon, 2016 Graduate
“By the third day I felt like giving up. Just when I was in doubt…we had more fun things to do. I will remember this week for the rest of my life.” – Cadet Baron, 2016 Graduate
“This camp has changed my life. I’m not gonna be the weak, short guy anymore. I’m stronger, faster and bigger than ever, at least my heart is bigger.” – Cadet Henderson, 2016 Graduate
“Camp Cadet…teaches you that all actions have consequences.” – Cadet Collier-Watts, 2016 Graduate
“I love this camp, I love my squad and would do anything for them and I know they love me.” – Cadet Baysinger, 2016 Graduate
“If I had another opportunity like this, I wouldn’t pass it up for anything. This has been the best week and the best summer I have ever had by far.” – Cadet Horton, 2016 Graduate
“Going through this amazing experience has taught me many things for my life in the long run.” – Cadet Arizaga, 2016 Graduate
“If you think this camp will be like sitting around a fire singing songs, you’re wrong. This camp is the hardest thing I’ve done in my life, it’ll change my life forever.” – Cadet Bieker, 2016 Graduate
"This is the best camp I have ever been to. The camp has thought me many things while still being fun. I would recommend this camp to anyone." - Cadet Rudy, 2016 Graduate
"I thought being at camp was a great experience and I feel like it helped me immensely. It taught me a lot of things to apply to the real world for the future. The people I met, cadets or not, were awesome. They were funny and caring and our counselors were very helpful. I loved being at camp and miss it very much." - Cadet McCannel, 2016 Graduate
"This camp was tough, I mean physically and mentally. But I also learned a lot. I learned how to take responsibility and leadership. I made many friends and I had fun. This camp is a life learning experience to what will happen to us in the real world. I thank everybody for teaching me how to have discipline and respect for myself and others." - Cadet De Jesus, 2016 Graduate
"I wanted to quit during the week, but I was constantly pushed and encouraged by the redshirts, Sgt Dina and my squad mates. I also learned to be a leader. The best was pulled out of me. " Cadet Sisak, 2016 Graduate
"I would like to thank again Northeast Florida Camp Cadet. This program turned my life around. If your using any JROTC cadets again I would love to volunteer." - Tres'Bien Jackson, 2015 Graduate
"Camp Cadet taught me about leadership, teamwork and how to be a leader." - Cadet from 2015
"My experience at camp cadet was awesome!" - Cadet from 2015
"Camp was the best experience for me and has helped me today with school, sports, and everyday life. I cant thank Camp Cadet enough on how much they've done for me." - Gabriel Guzman, 2014 Graduate
"After the graduation ceremony, my daughter not only told us stories about the things that she accomplished, but she also told us a lot of stories about the accomplishments of some of her fellow cadets that became more confident over the week that they were there. She was able to notice the changes in them as well as the changes in herself. The cadets also came away with a better understanding of law enforcement and what they do for people. They were able to develop relationships with members of law enforcement and see what it’s like to work with them. She made many friends that week and still keeps in touch with some of them. One of her friends that didn’t go last year is going to apply this year and we have also been telling people about the program." - Parent of 2014 Cadet
"My daughter was accepted into the Camp Cadet program last year and it was a great experience for her. Camp Cadet helped to build her leadership skills and it has given her even more confidence than she had before. She has always been a little shy in front of large groups of people, but after going through the Camp Cadet program I have seen her be more outgoing and willing to take charge in certain situations. When she hears a friend say that they can’t do something, she tries to build confidence in them by telling them that they can and sometimes she will use her experience at camp cadet as an example. There are some things they did at Camp Cadet that she thought she couldn’t do, but she did it and has a lot of pride in herself for it." - Parent of 2014 Cadet
"At Camp cadet they taught us that we can all be leaders, but before you can be a leader you have to be a follower in order to know what a leader does and is. We got to interact with deputies and military personnel on a daily basis which was so cool." - Cadet from 2014
"Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much i really enjoyed camp. Today was an amazing graduation and I wish I didnt have to leave. I will miss you all sooo much and I beg you please do not forget me!! I love what you guys are doing. Keep up the GREAT work!!!!! - Dazai Ramirez, 2013 Graduate
"My son, Brian Bowyer, was given an application to fill out for a chance to attend the 2012 Northeast Florida Camp Cadet leadership camp. The brochure looked interesting, but my concern was that it would be like a boot-camp for kids in trouble. I could not have been more wrong about that assumption! From the time Brian began composing the essay for his application packet, I saw a focus and dedication I had not seen directed at writing anything by him in quite a while. His time spent defining loyalty, dedication and other positive traits and finding examples of them in his life really gave him more reflections on what he had done well and WHY he had done so, instead of doing the wrong things. His interview was something he was really looking forward to. He enjoyed speaking with the patrol officer, and felt very adult having conducted the interview on his own. As a parent, I am generally very over-protective, and while he was in his interview, one of the directors of the camp spoke to the parents about what camp would be like if our child was one of the applicants selected to attend. They answered all of our questions, and put our minds at ease that this was a camp for good kids, where they would be doing leadership activities along with the physical activities. The girls and boys attending would be expected to complete a variety of tasks and assignments, while also learning from those in the public service industries. From the time he was accepted, he was ready to go to camp! The closer summer came, the more excited he was to be at camp for a week. He reported to camp and he was ready for me to leave so they could proceed to all the planned activities. When we saw him again at the end of the week, it was as if we were seeing a new person. Brian was a good, but normal kid when he left; but when he came back, he was a completely different person in some ways. He was more focused with his work, more respectful with people, but most of all, more sure of himself and his abilities. He gained a drive that had previously only been focused on fun and games. The confidence he gained from working with the other cadets and being guided by the directors and returning cadets in a mentoring capacity was invaluable. He was in good physical shape for the average 13 year old, but came back able to run further and do more push-ups, which was something he was extremely proud of. The activities he did not only reinforced the benefit of working together, but also taught him that someone else’s idea may be better. Two heads may be better than one, but a group working together beats two heads! He had always thought the idea of going into the military was something he was interested in, but his experience at camp turned that from a thought to a plan. He has taken his experience at Northeast Florida Camp Cadet and used it to excel in his freshman year in his high school’s JROTC. He plans to apply to be a returning/mentoring cadet at the 2013 camp, and is anxiously awaiting the alumni event this fall. I can honestly say that Northeast Florida Camp Cadet afforded my child the opportunity of a lifetime. It made such a profoundly positive impact on him, something I was not expecting from merely a week-long experience. The difference we saw in all the cadets at the graduation ceremony was just the beginning of what I am sure will be many years to come of building our future male and female leaders. I cannot speak highly enough to let anyone considering letting their child apply to attend that it will be a positive experience that your child will remember fondly for a lifetime!" - Penny Bowyer, Parent of 2012 Graduate
"I learned to be fast, obedient, and to thrive no matter what! So, go to Camp Cadet if you want to see how far you can go! Push yourself to the limit and never give up!” - Cadet Druhe, 2018 Graduate
"I want to thank every single sergeant for pushing me to my limit. This is an experience to remember. The people are great, I respect them. Every single cadet should be proud." - Cadet Carson. 2018 Graduate
"I am proud of all the cadets and myself because we didn’t give up. I am thankful for all the sergeants and the others for taking their time out of life to help others like they’ve helped the cadets and I." - Cadet Rowell, 2018 Graduate
"This week has been a roller coaster. I feel stronger than when I first stepped foot on the camp grounds. I feel very accomplished. I can’t wait for my parents to see me now. I feel like a whole different person." - Cadet Patino, 2018 Graduate
"Life will knock you down but this camp taught me to get back up and keep fighting." - Cadet Padgett, 2017 Graduate
"Camp Cadet has made a major impact on my life and I have become more aware of my abilities… This camp has made be become a better person as a whole. " - Cadet Lee, 2017 Graduate
"Everyone who graduates from this camp has ultimate bragging rights and the best experience of a lifetime." - Cadet Canipe, 2017 Graduate
"I’m so lucky and blessed to be able to experience a camp like this." - Cadet Taylor, 2017 Graduate
"I enjoyed the pool time, we had swimming competitions. I enjoyed the obstacle course and most of all I enjoyed the food. The best I’ve ever tasted….Sorry Mom." - Cadet Delehanty, 2017 Graduate
"I was able to tell them how I felt when usually I don’t say anything to anybody and how we motivate and help each other out is amazing." - Cadet Poole, 2017 Graduate
"Last year, my husband and I sent our son, Nicholas, to Camp Cadet. The Camp delivered exactly as promised! This is not about troubled kids needing help. This is about sending your good kids to help them develop leadership skills and other life skills for their future. We felt that Nicholas had the potential to be a good leader but he did not see that in himself and was not confident in that area. Because this camp is law enforcement/military-based, the camp staff members were able to help Nicholas find that part of himself and bring it out. Nicholas frequently brings up his experiences at Camp Cadet. He has recognized that the intangibles taught at this Camp can be applied to everyday life and he is better for it. We have seen him grow exponentially since Camp Cadet. He is more committed to school and sports, and most importantly, his future.
"Camp Cadet is truly a blessing and your child will reap many benefits from it for many years to come!" - Parent of Cadet Sisak
“I want to be a marine…I have changed myself for the better because of Camp Cadet, the greatest place on earth.” – Cadet Napier, 2016 Graduate
“You must break your boundaries, don’t be afraid, don’t say “I can’t” or “I’m done”. Keep going, don’t stop!” – Cadet Hernandez, 2016 Graduate
“I’ve had a blast at Camp Cadet and would recommend it to all my friends.” – Cadet Dasher, 2016 Graduate
“I came here for a challenge and I got a challenge.” – Cadet Mixon, 2016 Graduate
“By the third day I felt like giving up. Just when I was in doubt…we had more fun things to do. I will remember this week for the rest of my life.” – Cadet Baron, 2016 Graduate
“This camp has changed my life. I’m not gonna be the weak, short guy anymore. I’m stronger, faster and bigger than ever, at least my heart is bigger.” – Cadet Henderson, 2016 Graduate
“Camp Cadet…teaches you that all actions have consequences.” – Cadet Collier-Watts, 2016 Graduate
“I love this camp, I love my squad and would do anything for them and I know they love me.” – Cadet Baysinger, 2016 Graduate
“If I had another opportunity like this, I wouldn’t pass it up for anything. This has been the best week and the best summer I have ever had by far.” – Cadet Horton, 2016 Graduate
“Going through this amazing experience has taught me many things for my life in the long run.” – Cadet Arizaga, 2016 Graduate
“If you think this camp will be like sitting around a fire singing songs, you’re wrong. This camp is the hardest thing I’ve done in my life, it’ll change my life forever.” – Cadet Bieker, 2016 Graduate
"This is the best camp I have ever been to. The camp has thought me many things while still being fun. I would recommend this camp to anyone." - Cadet Rudy, 2016 Graduate
"I thought being at camp was a great experience and I feel like it helped me immensely. It taught me a lot of things to apply to the real world for the future. The people I met, cadets or not, were awesome. They were funny and caring and our counselors were very helpful. I loved being at camp and miss it very much." - Cadet McCannel, 2016 Graduate
"This camp was tough, I mean physically and mentally. But I also learned a lot. I learned how to take responsibility and leadership. I made many friends and I had fun. This camp is a life learning experience to what will happen to us in the real world. I thank everybody for teaching me how to have discipline and respect for myself and others." - Cadet De Jesus, 2016 Graduate
"I wanted to quit during the week, but I was constantly pushed and encouraged by the redshirts, Sgt Dina and my squad mates. I also learned to be a leader. The best was pulled out of me. " Cadet Sisak, 2016 Graduate
"I would like to thank again Northeast Florida Camp Cadet. This program turned my life around. If your using any JROTC cadets again I would love to volunteer." - Tres'Bien Jackson, 2015 Graduate
"Camp Cadet taught me about leadership, teamwork and how to be a leader." - Cadet from 2015
"My experience at camp cadet was awesome!" - Cadet from 2015
"Camp was the best experience for me and has helped me today with school, sports, and everyday life. I cant thank Camp Cadet enough on how much they've done for me." - Gabriel Guzman, 2014 Graduate
"After the graduation ceremony, my daughter not only told us stories about the things that she accomplished, but she also told us a lot of stories about the accomplishments of some of her fellow cadets that became more confident over the week that they were there. She was able to notice the changes in them as well as the changes in herself. The cadets also came away with a better understanding of law enforcement and what they do for people. They were able to develop relationships with members of law enforcement and see what it’s like to work with them. She made many friends that week and still keeps in touch with some of them. One of her friends that didn’t go last year is going to apply this year and we have also been telling people about the program." - Parent of 2014 Cadet
"My daughter was accepted into the Camp Cadet program last year and it was a great experience for her. Camp Cadet helped to build her leadership skills and it has given her even more confidence than she had before. She has always been a little shy in front of large groups of people, but after going through the Camp Cadet program I have seen her be more outgoing and willing to take charge in certain situations. When she hears a friend say that they can’t do something, she tries to build confidence in them by telling them that they can and sometimes she will use her experience at camp cadet as an example. There are some things they did at Camp Cadet that she thought she couldn’t do, but she did it and has a lot of pride in herself for it." - Parent of 2014 Cadet
"At Camp cadet they taught us that we can all be leaders, but before you can be a leader you have to be a follower in order to know what a leader does and is. We got to interact with deputies and military personnel on a daily basis which was so cool." - Cadet from 2014
"Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much i really enjoyed camp. Today was an amazing graduation and I wish I didnt have to leave. I will miss you all sooo much and I beg you please do not forget me!! I love what you guys are doing. Keep up the GREAT work!!!!! - Dazai Ramirez, 2013 Graduate
"My son, Brian Bowyer, was given an application to fill out for a chance to attend the 2012 Northeast Florida Camp Cadet leadership camp. The brochure looked interesting, but my concern was that it would be like a boot-camp for kids in trouble. I could not have been more wrong about that assumption! From the time Brian began composing the essay for his application packet, I saw a focus and dedication I had not seen directed at writing anything by him in quite a while. His time spent defining loyalty, dedication and other positive traits and finding examples of them in his life really gave him more reflections on what he had done well and WHY he had done so, instead of doing the wrong things. His interview was something he was really looking forward to. He enjoyed speaking with the patrol officer, and felt very adult having conducted the interview on his own. As a parent, I am generally very over-protective, and while he was in his interview, one of the directors of the camp spoke to the parents about what camp would be like if our child was one of the applicants selected to attend. They answered all of our questions, and put our minds at ease that this was a camp for good kids, where they would be doing leadership activities along with the physical activities. The girls and boys attending would be expected to complete a variety of tasks and assignments, while also learning from those in the public service industries. From the time he was accepted, he was ready to go to camp! The closer summer came, the more excited he was to be at camp for a week. He reported to camp and he was ready for me to leave so they could proceed to all the planned activities. When we saw him again at the end of the week, it was as if we were seeing a new person. Brian was a good, but normal kid when he left; but when he came back, he was a completely different person in some ways. He was more focused with his work, more respectful with people, but most of all, more sure of himself and his abilities. He gained a drive that had previously only been focused on fun and games. The confidence he gained from working with the other cadets and being guided by the directors and returning cadets in a mentoring capacity was invaluable. He was in good physical shape for the average 13 year old, but came back able to run further and do more push-ups, which was something he was extremely proud of. The activities he did not only reinforced the benefit of working together, but also taught him that someone else’s idea may be better. Two heads may be better than one, but a group working together beats two heads! He had always thought the idea of going into the military was something he was interested in, but his experience at camp turned that from a thought to a plan. He has taken his experience at Northeast Florida Camp Cadet and used it to excel in his freshman year in his high school’s JROTC. He plans to apply to be a returning/mentoring cadet at the 2013 camp, and is anxiously awaiting the alumni event this fall. I can honestly say that Northeast Florida Camp Cadet afforded my child the opportunity of a lifetime. It made such a profoundly positive impact on him, something I was not expecting from merely a week-long experience. The difference we saw in all the cadets at the graduation ceremony was just the beginning of what I am sure will be many years to come of building our future male and female leaders. I cannot speak highly enough to let anyone considering letting their child apply to attend that it will be a positive experience that your child will remember fondly for a lifetime!" - Penny Bowyer, Parent of 2012 Graduate
"Hey I miss all of you guys cant wait to see you all." - Daniel Ives, 2012 Graduate
"I am the proud parent of two graduates, a son in the inaugural class of 2011 and a daughter that followed in 2012 that was able to break history with a 100 percent graduation rate. Camp Cadet is an experience of a lifetime that takes youths from all backgrounds; socioeconomic, race, religion, and physical statues with one common thread among them, leadership ability. Cadets are then put through a week of intense mental, physical character and leadership building challenges. These life challenges polish the qualities that the cadets already have and find the hidden talents they did not know they possessed. Cadets are truly taught real world life skills that they can use not only as students but carry into their adult lives. If they chose to pursue military careers or just become leaders in their chosen professions, these young people come out with a new challenge met and accomplished showing them that they truly are the best of the best! They are survivors, leaders and champions!! Kudos to Camp Cadet. We must support this program." - Kandalyn Green, Parent of 2011 and 2012 Graduate
"I had a lot of fun, met some great people and I'm hoping to go back as a counselor next year." - Jakob Brooks, 2012 Graduate
“Camp Cadet was awesome I had fun and others will too." - Jared Liles, 2012 Graduate
"At Camp Cadet I learned that confidence is something gained through experiences. We repeated certain exercises and marches until we got it right. This taught me that I am capable of doing things out of my comfort zone, and that I can rely on other people, and that they can rely on me, so that I am part of a team working toward a common, unified goal. True confidence stems from the knowledge that I have value and can contribute my skill or ability to help others and myself overcome obstacles and achieve success. I am grateful that Camp Cadet is made possible by the generous donation of time, money and resources of businesses (Thank you Top of the Reef and all of the other amazing restaurants!) and individuals who believed in empowering a select group of cadets to be successful. What I learned this week will help me continue to achieve success in all aspects of my life." - Jesse Sheffield, 2011 Graduate
So you think you want to attend Camp Cadet. Well, let’s get some of the basics down first. You need to be in shape but you don’t have to be built. I attended the first Northeast Florida Camp Cadet in 2011. I saw some guys that had muscles but they didn’t make it through the week. Camp Cadet is all about team work. If you think you are going to do it all by yourself, then you will fail, and you will fail fast. Through your week you will learn different types of team work and you will also learn lots of survival skills for the open wilderness. Skills such as land navigation will be taught to you. When it comes to P.T. (physical training), many of you will fall out fast. But what you don’t realize is that it’s all in your head. Once you say “ok, I can do this” instead of “I can’t”, you will be passing with flying colors. This also pertains to running in the morning. You will be up at 0515 also known as 5:15 am. You will be in the sack also known as the bed at 9:30 pm. Many of you have not adequately been drinking water. Well, that needs to change. Through the week that you will be at Camp Cadet, you should be drinking lots of water. It might just save your life! You will be doing the rappelling course. This is fun but you need to get over your fear of heights. You just need to get over it! J The instructors will not make you do anything that is unsafe. Camp Cadet was such an honor. It made me learn who I really am. I made new friends and I learned new ways to not only help myself but others as well. So do your best, hydrate, get in shape and go to bed at a good time so you can have the best experience ever." - Theodore Wetzel, 2011 Graduate
"They also taught us teamwork, one example of how they showed us teamwork was a human knot. Now that took some time to complete! Our hands were so sweaty that it was hard to hold on but we eventually got through it as a team. Our team counselor told us that the first group who got done got to go to the showers first! This was a huge reward! Another example of the way they showed us to be a leader was the people in front of the platoon had to be leaders. They had to make sure that their squad was in order and straight. My favorite part of camp was the roast on Friday night. I enjoyed Camp Cadet and have told everyone that will listen about it! You will not regret your decision to attend. It is an amazing experience." - Casey Alters, 2011 Graduate
"My son, Brandon Walp, attended the very first Northeast Florida Camp Cadet in 2011. Brandon describes his week as long and exhausting but so worth all of the aches and pains. He walked away with an all new self-discipline and respect. If you ask him, he would have stayed another week. He has said so many positive things about Camp Cadet that he has inspired interest in several kids who want to apply to attend next year! One in particular is his twin sister. I have nothing but positive feelings about Camp Cadet. I would encourage all teenagers to apply to attend." - Donna J. Walp, Parent of 2011 Graduate
"I am glad that Officer Robinson brought Camp Cadet to Florida because it is an excellent program and I’d like to see it continue for many years. I am hoping that the word will get out from cadets that have gone through the program and their parents that this is an excellent program for kids and that the community will get behind it and support it. I also appreciate all of the members of law enforcement and other volunteers who gave their time that week to give my daughter and her fellow cadets and experience of a lifetime. The cadets came out of it stronger than they went in and many of them now know the real meaning of leadership, teamwork, discipline and courage thanks to Camp Cadet!" - Michelle Morgan, Parent of 2011 Graduate
"I am the proud parent of two graduates, a son in the inaugural class of 2011 and a daughter that followed in 2012 that was able to break history with a 100 percent graduation rate. Camp Cadet is an experience of a lifetime that takes youths from all backgrounds; socioeconomic, race, religion, and physical statues with one common thread among them, leadership ability. Cadets are then put through a week of intense mental, physical character and leadership building challenges. These life challenges polish the qualities that the cadets already have and find the hidden talents they did not know they possessed. Cadets are truly taught real world life skills that they can use not only as students but carry into their adult lives. If they chose to pursue military careers or just become leaders in their chosen professions, these young people come out with a new challenge met and accomplished showing them that they truly are the best of the best! They are survivors, leaders and champions!! Kudos to Camp Cadet. We must support this program." - Kandalyn Green, Parent of 2011 and 2012 Graduate
"I had a lot of fun, met some great people and I'm hoping to go back as a counselor next year." - Jakob Brooks, 2012 Graduate
“Camp Cadet was awesome I had fun and others will too." - Jared Liles, 2012 Graduate
"At Camp Cadet I learned that confidence is something gained through experiences. We repeated certain exercises and marches until we got it right. This taught me that I am capable of doing things out of my comfort zone, and that I can rely on other people, and that they can rely on me, so that I am part of a team working toward a common, unified goal. True confidence stems from the knowledge that I have value and can contribute my skill or ability to help others and myself overcome obstacles and achieve success. I am grateful that Camp Cadet is made possible by the generous donation of time, money and resources of businesses (Thank you Top of the Reef and all of the other amazing restaurants!) and individuals who believed in empowering a select group of cadets to be successful. What I learned this week will help me continue to achieve success in all aspects of my life." - Jesse Sheffield, 2011 Graduate
So you think you want to attend Camp Cadet. Well, let’s get some of the basics down first. You need to be in shape but you don’t have to be built. I attended the first Northeast Florida Camp Cadet in 2011. I saw some guys that had muscles but they didn’t make it through the week. Camp Cadet is all about team work. If you think you are going to do it all by yourself, then you will fail, and you will fail fast. Through your week you will learn different types of team work and you will also learn lots of survival skills for the open wilderness. Skills such as land navigation will be taught to you. When it comes to P.T. (physical training), many of you will fall out fast. But what you don’t realize is that it’s all in your head. Once you say “ok, I can do this” instead of “I can’t”, you will be passing with flying colors. This also pertains to running in the morning. You will be up at 0515 also known as 5:15 am. You will be in the sack also known as the bed at 9:30 pm. Many of you have not adequately been drinking water. Well, that needs to change. Through the week that you will be at Camp Cadet, you should be drinking lots of water. It might just save your life! You will be doing the rappelling course. This is fun but you need to get over your fear of heights. You just need to get over it! J The instructors will not make you do anything that is unsafe. Camp Cadet was such an honor. It made me learn who I really am. I made new friends and I learned new ways to not only help myself but others as well. So do your best, hydrate, get in shape and go to bed at a good time so you can have the best experience ever." - Theodore Wetzel, 2011 Graduate
"They also taught us teamwork, one example of how they showed us teamwork was a human knot. Now that took some time to complete! Our hands were so sweaty that it was hard to hold on but we eventually got through it as a team. Our team counselor told us that the first group who got done got to go to the showers first! This was a huge reward! Another example of the way they showed us to be a leader was the people in front of the platoon had to be leaders. They had to make sure that their squad was in order and straight. My favorite part of camp was the roast on Friday night. I enjoyed Camp Cadet and have told everyone that will listen about it! You will not regret your decision to attend. It is an amazing experience." - Casey Alters, 2011 Graduate
"My son, Brandon Walp, attended the very first Northeast Florida Camp Cadet in 2011. Brandon describes his week as long and exhausting but so worth all of the aches and pains. He walked away with an all new self-discipline and respect. If you ask him, he would have stayed another week. He has said so many positive things about Camp Cadet that he has inspired interest in several kids who want to apply to attend next year! One in particular is his twin sister. I have nothing but positive feelings about Camp Cadet. I would encourage all teenagers to apply to attend." - Donna J. Walp, Parent of 2011 Graduate
"I am glad that Officer Robinson brought Camp Cadet to Florida because it is an excellent program and I’d like to see it continue for many years. I am hoping that the word will get out from cadets that have gone through the program and their parents that this is an excellent program for kids and that the community will get behind it and support it. I also appreciate all of the members of law enforcement and other volunteers who gave their time that week to give my daughter and her fellow cadets and experience of a lifetime. The cadets came out of it stronger than they went in and many of them now know the real meaning of leadership, teamwork, discipline and courage thanks to Camp Cadet!" - Michelle Morgan, Parent of 2011 Graduate