YORK -- Waking up at 5:45 a.m. each morning is not what many teenagers volunteer to do over the summer.

But for six days last week, more than 100 mid-state teenagers worked their way through the Pennsylvania State Police South Central Camp Cadet program, a program created in 1972 to instill positive attitudes toward the law enforcement profession.

The South Central camp has been in existence for 18 years.

"The first thing I'm going to do when I get home is eat then sleep," said Chris Clouser, 14, Chambersburg, following graduation on Saturday. "This was a great experience. I'm so glad I did it."

Clouser was one of 19 teenagers from Franklin County this year, the highest number of local participants ever, to sign up for the week-long camp held at York College, according to Trooper Ed Asbury, co-director of the camp.

Ninety-three cadets and 15 junior counselors participated this year.

"This is a great thing for young people to do if they have any interest in the police field," said Clouser, who was one of three cadets to win the Robert Shank Oustanding Cadet award. "I loved it. I learned a lot and experienced even more."

The majority of the cadets said their biggest shock was how structured and disciplined the camp was.

"Everything had to be perfect," Clouser said. "Your uniform, your room, the bathroom and moving in platoon formation. You learned a lot about responsibility and discipline."

And the importance of a good night's rest, which is what most cadets relayed to family and friends after graduation.

"All I can think about is getting some sleep," said Megan Fraker, 14, Chambersburg, who also won the Robert Shank Outstanding Cadet award. "I knew pretty much nothing about the criminal justice field before coming here. Now I only want to pursue a career as a policeman even more."

Fraker was joined at camp by her best friend Natalie Harbach, 14, Chambersburg.

Both said they've come away with more self respect, discipline and motivation toward their interest in law enforcement because of their experience at camp.

Harbach said the initial shock of being in camp wears off in roughly two days.

"They call Wednesday 'Hump Day,'" Harbach said. "Once you make it to Wednesday, you begin to get over the hump for the rest of the week. "

Cadets arrived at camp on July 18 and went through an orientation, were assigned to rooms and to a platoon. There were four platoons, each with three junior counselors and about 20 cadets.

Throughout the week, the camp received instruction from the Cumberland County Coroner, VisionQuest, York City Police Department, Penn State Bomb Squad, DEA Agent, Susquehanna Township K-9 Unit, PA Game Commission and an ATF Agent.

Cadets also toured York City Police Museum, Gifford Pinchot Park and York Prison and took classes in karate and scuba diving.

"I don't know how they fit everything in and got us to places on time," Harbach said. "No wonder we got so little sleep."

In addition to working under a military-style boot camp regimen with morning physical training sessions, room and bathroom inspections and scheduled wake-up and sleep times, cadets came away with lessons learned on a range of law enforcement careers.

Harbach has a strong interest in forensics and paid special attention to the Cumberland County Coroner's session.

"He showed us photos and explained what all we would need to do to become a coroner," Harbach said. "Although some of the stuff was unsettling, I learned a lot. I definitely want to keep working toward that aspect of criminal justice."

Even the instructors were impressed with the cadets last week.

Sergeant Tim Karchnak, along with two other officers of the Susquehanna Township K-9 Unit, conducted a K-9 demonstration for the cadets on Thursday.

"When we give demonstrations to younger groups, we try to keep them involved as much as we can. A little less talking and more action. I was very impressed with the types of questions they asked. They were good questions, which told me that they were very much interested," said Karchnak.

The week culminated Saturday at graduation.

"When you look at these state troopers, you see that their job gives them authority, but their actions are what give them respect," said graduation speaker Joe Benish, director of the communication office of the state lieutenant governor. "By graduating from this camp, you all have demonstrated that you're a leader and not a follower."

Asbury reiterated Benish's sentiment in saying that the cadets made great strides during their week in camp.

"When one door closes, another door opens," Asbury said to the parents. "You gave us your children, and we are giving you back young adults."

Clouser, who is planning on returning next summer as a junior counselor, said he believes there's little reason for anyone not to want to come to camp cadet.

"You do and see so much in only one week," Clouser said. "Even if you have any doubts, just come out and experience it. I know they wouldn't regret it."

Jaime North covers the borough and community affairs within Franklin County. He can be reached at 262-4811.