"Successful and rewarding trip" sees our cadets learn about policing in America
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The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office welcomed our cadets in June as part of an exciting exchange programme.
Nine of our cadets were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Florida to be part of an exchange programme with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Corps.
Funded by the Taith Grant Programme, the cadets spent 10 days learning about policing in America, volunteering at local schools and supporting families of terminally ill children on a trip to Disney World Resort.
Sergeant Annalea Kift, who helped organise the trip, said:
“The impact this trip has had on our cadets shines through, and it’s been amazing to see the passion that they have shared throughout this whole process.
“I can’t thank the team enough for their commitment to this trip, and the cadets for their behaviour while representing us in America. I only have one word – awesome!”
Read on to find out what they got up to…
On the first day, our cadets met with DeWayne Hill, the Sarasota Sheriff, and his cadets for a meet-and-greet and bonding experience at Coco Beach - the setting was perfect for breaking the ice and forging new friendships.
On the second day of their trip, the team attended the opening ceremony of the Florida State Police Cadet Conference, where cadet leader Sharron Norman and some of the cadets gave a short presentation in front of 350 conference attendees. The cadets also participated in the break-out discussions and team building exercises throughout the day, building relationships with their fellow cadets and learning more about policing.
Team building and group activities continued throughout the week, as well as a little healthy competition between our cadets and the Sarasota cadets. This collaborative effort encouraged our cadets to step outside of their comfort zone, learn new skills and make new friends.
A significant part of the trip involved community engagement and volunteering. They visited schools, interacting with the students and helping with their activities. Our cadets also participated in PE lessons, IT sessions, arts and crafts, leisure, games, reading sessions, quizzes, and more.
One of the most memorable days was spent at "Give Kids the World," a place where families with terminally ill children can enjoy a week of quality time together, with free access to all the parks in Orlando.
The team spent the day volunteering and supporting these families, allowing them to enjoy their day and make memories as a family. It was an incredibly moving and emotional day, where our cadets were able to experience the joy and honour of community service. The team felt privileged to have been able to play a small part in such a special cause.
Cadet leader CSO Paul Salter, who went on the trip, said:
“Over the course of the 10 days, we witnessed the cadets’ transformations. Initially shy and reserved, each cadet blossomed, becoming integral members of the group. Their growth in confidence was evident, and each of them contributed to making the trip an unforgettable experience.”
The experiences not only broadened our cadets’ horizons but also helped them build lasting relationships and develop a deeper understanding of community service, teamwork, and cultural exchange.