There was a sudden explosion, then screams of "Oh my god," followed by applause.

There aren't too many places where those three go hand in hand, but at State Police Troop D Camp Cadet at Camp Lutherlyn in Prospect, this is just another day of training.

Camp Cadet, Aug. 10-15, offered an opportunity for young people to learn about law enforcement and challenge themselves by participating in team-building exercises focused on self-esteem, confidence, discipline and respect.

The explosion was a surprise unleashed by Sgt. Chris Yanoff, a team leader for SERT West. SERT stands for Special Emergency Response Team and Sgt. Yanoff had just thrown a "distraction device" often called a flash bang. It did both quite effectively.

The former Marine was at the camp to explain the team's role in law enforcement. During his presentation, 13-year-old Rhiannon Huff, of Butler, was brought up to the front to be fitted with all the gear officers of the unit wear in the field.

As Ellie Mularski, 12, of Harrisville, helped tighten straps of the holster for Rhiannon, Sgt. Yanoff joked, "A little big huh? You trying to say I'm fat?" Which brought laughter from the cadets.

Once all the equipment was in place, it was obvious this stuff was really heavy. Rhiannon looked uncomfortable wearing the large camouflaged vest, as did other cadets who came up to try out the gear.

Ellie said one of the best things about the camp was firing a gun for the first time at the range.

"I was very scared that I was going to jerk back and fall down," she said. "But it was really fun. I just stayed focused, aimed and shot the gun. I was proud of everyone."

She was awarded high honors for her performance at the weeklong camp, as was Luke Jackman, 14, of Herman. Both were elected to attend the 2009 Honors Camp at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey.

The two sat together to be interviewed, answering questions with "Yes sir" and "No sir." Cadets wear identical white T-shirts with their last names printed on the front and back. That adds to the feel of a military boot camp. Cadets run or march from building to building and answer their leaders in unison.

Being in that kind of group atmosphere was something Luke thrived on. "Working together to get things done, sir, that's probably been the most fun." He's hoping to pursue a career in law enforcement for one reason. "I like helping people," he said.

Ellie dropped her game face for a second as she talked about enjoying a party the counselors threw toward the end of camp. She believes she's benefited from her camp experience.

"It's a great place to be at and learn a lot of stuff."

That was music to the ears of John Kemper, of Butler. He works at the camp and is a member of the board of directors for Camp Cadet. There are 22 other such camps held throughout the state. This one covers Butler, Lawrence, Mercer and Beaver counties, and enrolled 67 cadets this year.

"They leave with a feeling of accomplishment. There's a certain pride as they march onto the graduation field in front of their parents," Mr. Kemper said.

Mr. Kemper's history with the state police goes back decades. His father had a leather shop in Butler that made all the leather goods for troopers. His father became good friends with the state police. In fact, Mr. Kemper has a picture of himself on a trooper's horse, while his dad worked on the saddle.

"When my father passed away I wanted to do something in his memory. I thought with my philosophy with dealing with youth, it would be better to make a contribution to the Camp Cadet program."

And that philosophy stems from 22 years as a Navy chaplain. While studying Asian culture he stumbled onto a saying that became his motto. It's something he's passed to the cadets.

"If you wish to have a harvest in a year, plant rice. If you wish a harvest in 10 years plant trees. If you wish a harvest for a lifetime, plant the seeds of truth and love in the hearts and minds of youth."