PSP Troop N's Sunny Day Camp brings cops and kids together at Pocono Raceway

Hundreds of guests had an opportunity to meet up with members of the Pennsylvania State Police for Troop N's special Sunny Day Camp at Pocono Raceway this weekend.

Hosted by the state police, the event allows those with special needs or disabilities to participate in an experience like Camp Cadet, without the physically demanding aspects. Troop N has held the event since 2017, following its creation by Pennsylvania State Trooper Samantha Minnucci, who launched the program in 2016 "as a way to promote good relations between police and children/adults of special needs."

"Cpl. Minnucci wanted a program where no one would be left out of learning about the law-enforcement agencies which serve their community," the Sunny Day Camp website reads.

PSP has been unable to hold the camp for the past two years, and while the original date had to be rescheduled, troopers were thrilled to welcome back their friends for some fun and games.

"It's great to be back here," Trooper Anthony Petroski, Community Services Officer and Public Information Officer for Troop N, said. "It's a nice sunny day. We haven't seen a lot of these kids into years; they're like family to us now. And this is just a very positive, energetic community event."

Visitors ages eight and up had the opportunity to meet and talk with PSP troopers, check out their equipment and vehicles, get their faces painted, dress up and pose for the selfie station, and even take UTV rides around the grounds.Trooper David Peters, Community Services Officer for Troop N, said that the event is a great opportunity for those with special needs to interact with the police in a fun, lighthearted manner, building a sense of trust and friendship.

"It's the Game Commission — not just state police — SWAT cars, DJs, fun face painting. It's just ja fun day for them and their families, something that just doesn't exist for them, to be able to interact with them law enforcement-wise," Peters said.

Peters said around 145 young individuals, ages eight and up, registered to attend the event, though approximately 400 showed up throughout the day — and that was only as of noon.

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Morgan Taraska of Albrightsville, who came to the event with her boyfriend Matthew Bealla of Nesquehoning, said she had a fun day meeting police and getting their signatures on her Sunny Day Camp t-shirt.

"My day is going great so far," Taraska said. "I have a lot of people, I have a lot of friends here. I have a lot of cops that are my friends. I even had the state troopers sign my shirt."

"(My favorite thing) was seeing the K-9 dog and all the state troopers, and a state commissioner," Bealla said.Young Kevin Davis, joined by his family, enjoyed checking out the wide variety of police vehicles, and the opportunity to climb inside and explore them.

"He likes to watch the fire trucks and all the different trucks. He's having a good time," Kristin Davis said, though she did note Kevin could not decide whether he liked to see the police cars or the helicopter more.

When asked about the most popular attraction at the camp, Petroski admitted that it was not something he expected."You know, they like the selfie station. I would love to say it was the police cars," Petroski said with a laugh. "They like taking the pictures at the selfie station, which is awesome. They just love having fun. You know, they get to go inside all these vehicles, the Game Commission has an absolute brigade of vehicles, they brought the UTVs, they have a boat, they have a bike. It's just seeing this stuff. I mean, it's fun for adults, so It's especially fun for kids."

According to information from PSP, Sunny Day Camp is funded strictly through donations from individuals and businesses, with troopers and other law enforcement professionals serving as counselors and donating their off-duty time for participants to enjoy the experience.

Judging by all the smiling faces at Pocono Raceway on Saturday, they can consider their mission accomplished.

"I can't say it enough, it's a fun day for them. This is all about them today," Peters said.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Cops, kids enjoy time at Troop N's Sunny Day Camp at Pocono Raceway