There are few 15-year-olds who would willingly sit in a classroom and learn during the summer. Madison Gray, a Kirkland teen, is one of the few.
Gray graduated from the Kiwanis Youth Law Enforcement Career Camp on July 16 in Shelton after a week studying court cases, early-morning calisthenics and marching — all to better understand what to expect from a career in blue.
Gray was one of 24 cadets, 19 of whom were male, chosen from around the state to participate.
“It surprised me, definitely, by how much work it takes,” Gray said. “I knew I had to be strong and in shape and be able to help other people, but it also weighs on you mentally. You have to be prepared in every aspect of your life: not just strong, but flexible and willing to change and really do what you need to.”
Many cadets won Kiwanis sponsorships, including Gray. Cadets submit their GPA and get permission from their parents and school, as well as local law enforcement. They also need to be in good physical shape, and send in an essay explaining why they’re interested in a law enforcement career.
Gray wrote about an experience in seventh grade, when a video on forensic science awoke an interest and she decided to dig for more.
Branches of law enforcement from city police officers to the bomb squad, ATF, liquor control and state troopers typically take part in the camp, which boasts some impressive statistics.
“80 percent [of graduates] go into law enforcement or military,” said camp director Dawn Pannell. “We have a lot of folks who come back after they’ve been to camp and want to be counselors.”
Despite the high retention rate of graduating cadets, the 40-year-old camp only receives around 40 applications every year. There are only a handful of such camps across the nation, and Washington’s camp often sees campers from around the region.
This summer’s camper-turned-staffers included a state trooper and an Air Force recruit. Even the captain of the Washington State Patrol is a graduate.
Gray said she has settled on what she wants to do after graduating from college.
“I think I would love to be a state trooper,” Gray said. “Our counselors were passionate about what they do, and shared great info on what it takes.”
Gray liked the idea of being on the highway and covering more ground.
“It’s very hard, but very rewarding,” she said. “Our counselor said that, every time they stopped a DUI, they considered it lifesaving — either their life or somebody else’s who was just a victim of circumstance.”
