American Legion seeks participants for camps

CENTRE HALL — Centre Hall American Legion Smith-Pletcher Post 779 is sponsoring students who wish to participate in the Elmer Hafer-American Legion-State Police-National Guard Youth Camp. 
Eligible students must be between the ages of 15 and 17. 
The camp was established in 1970 to increase understanding between Pennsylvania’s youth and law enforcement. In 2010, the Pennsylvania National Guard joined with the American Legion and the state police to give cadets the chance to see and experience firsthand many areas of law enforcement and military, including leadership, discipline and self-esteem. 
The camp is not a recreational camp; it is a rigorous camp that tests both physical and mental capabilities.

The post or district commander, or his/her representative, will interview each applicant nominated to select candidates and their alternates. Applicants must be in good health, with no physical limitations, have an average or above academic standing in their class and express a personal interest in either law enforcement or military service.
Applicants are chosen until the camp has reached its maximum goal.

Cadets participate in a wide variety of instructional sessions with the state police and National Guard. They will learn to work as a team; increase self-discipline, self-esteem and leadership; and receive hands-on exposure to military discipline, along with familiarization with military and law enforcement services. Recreational activities will be scheduled as time permits.

American Legion Smith-Pletcher Post 779 is especially pleased to sponsor attendees to this camp because the camp is named after Elmer Hafer, father of past Post 779 Commander James Hafer.

More information, a brochure and application forms are available at the legion’s website, pa-legion.com.
Post Adjutant Hilda Putnam can provide more information and help with applications. Her email address is [email protected]. The forms need to be sent to the post by May to obtain sponsorship.