SCRANTON — Sixty-three sets of eyes were fixed on Pennsylvania State Police Pilot Sgt. Donald Marsh on Wednesday as he detailed his experience as a state police aviation specialist.
During this year’s Camp Cadet program held at Marywood University, Marsh, standing in front of a state police helicopter, highlighted most important uses including assisting municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies in criminal searches and the location of missing people.
But Marsh also described other uses of the special helicopter, such as transporting DNA evidence and special equipment.
The presentation was part of this year’s Troop R Camp Cadet program held this week. It is a unique summer camp for boys and girls from Pennsylvania between the ages of 13 and 15.
“The goal of Camp Cadet is to introduce participants to the diverse criminal justice system and establish a positive relationship with law enforcement personnel,” Trooper Bob Urban said.
Each participant is addressed as “cadet” throughout the week and, in turn, they respond, “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am.” The cadets wear uniforms, follow a schedule and participate in challenging activities.
Cadet Mike McKenna said his experience at the camp built his confidence and allowed him to develop deep friendships with the members of his squad.
Mike remembers having some doubts about his decision on Monday, but by Tuesday morning he was sure he had made the right decision in participating.
Mike, soon to be 16, attends Scranton Prep and plans to be an engineer. But whatever field he chooses to enter, he’s sure the week at Camp Cadet will have prepared him.
One of the biggest challenges Mike faced during the week was running two miles. By Wednesday morning, he was comfortable with the course and his time had improved markedly.
In addition, Mike said his attention span improved over the course of just days.
He was expected to listen respectfully and learn what was needed, and he stepped up to the challenge, he said.
He would advise any young person considering the camp for future years to just dive in and do it. He’s sure they’ll come out a better person.
Seeing change in the long run
Over the course of the program’s 36-year history, many previous graduates have gone on to work in law enforcement or headed to the military, including attendance at the Naval Academy, Urban said.
But even those who chose careers unrelated to law enforcement or the military check back in with their Camp Cadet instructors and say that the confidence and responsibility learned there prepared them for life.
Urban also points out the camaraderie built between participants at the camp.
With no electronics allowed, it’s a chance for boys and girls to build friendships the old-fashioned way — through participating in projects as a team and having simple conversations.
“It’s all about leadership and teamwork,” he said.
Camp Cadet instructors and participants march towards Marywood University’s softball field in Scranton on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)
Camp Cadet participants gather around the helicopter to get a closer look and ask Sgt. Donald Marsh questions at Marywood University’s softball field in Scranton on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)
Camp Cadet participants listen to Sgt. Donald Marsh about his experience as a state police helicopter pilot at Marywood University’s softball field in Scranton on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)
Sgt. Donald Marsh shows Camp Cadet participants the interior of a state police helicopter at Marywood University’s softball field in Scranton on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)
Cadets chant as they march towards Marywood University’s softball field in Scranton on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)