Camp Cadet

We are currently accepting applications to Northeast Florida’s Camp Cadet Program 2026.

​The purpose of Northeast Florida Camp Cadet, Inc., is to provide today’s youth with the tools necessary to overcome challenges, instill strict discipline and bestow confidence and leadership abilities.

Camp Cadet is a tuition free, one week event, staffed by local police and sheriff’s departments from Clay, Duval, Bradford and Nassau counties. The police officers and deputies of these counties serve as counselors and instructors. The program is designed to give boys and girls, ages 12 through 15, a better understanding of law enforcement activities while living in an atmosphere similar to a police training academy. It is held at Trinity Camp and Retreat Center, Melrose, Florida. Heavy emphasis is placed on leadership by improving self-discipline, building self-esteem and confidence through teamwork and making new friends.


The requirements for camp are:

Must be between the ages of 12 and 15 on the first day of camp
Potential Cadets must be willing to participate in a variety of physical fitness activities
Potential Cadet must abide by the following rule for hair cuts:
Males: No hair extending below the eyebrows in the front, no hair extending below the ears on the sides, and hair cannot touch the collar of the shirt
Females: Must be able to pull their hair back in a ponytail or similar means in order to keep their hair out of their face
Potential Cadets must complete the following documents and have them submitted no later than June 5, 2026:

2026 Application (located below)
Medical Addendum (included in the application below)
Sports Physical (can use the 2025 – 2026 school year physical if applicable)
500 word essay on “What Leadership Means to Me”

Visit the website listed below for additional information.