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Thank you for supporting your child’s interest in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. CAP is a volunteer, non-profit organization that also serves as the civilian auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force. Our three missions are to develop youth through a cadet program, educate Americans on the importance of aviation and space, and perform live-saving humanitarian missions.
The program accepts new cadets who are at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. It is a year-round program with weekly meetings at a local CAP squadron and additional activities on weekends and throughout the year.
CAP is not a military or boarding school, but a youth development program that incorporates aviation and military customs and courtesies. Through their experiences as CAP cadets, young people develop into responsible citizens and become tomorrow’s aerospace leaders. The leadership skills, self-confidence, and discipline cadets gain through CAP prepares them to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves in life.
To fulfill its goal of developing young people into responsible citizens and aerospace leaders, the Cadet Program is developed around five program elements: Leadership, Character Development, Aerospace Education, Physical Fitness, and Activities. As cadets participate in these five elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way.
Overview of the Cadet Program
Overview of the Cadet Program
To fulfill its goal of developing young people into responsible citizens and aerospace leaders, the Cadet Program is organized around four program elements.
Leadership
Leadership
CAP introduces cadets to Air Force perspectives on leadership through classroom instruction, mentoring and hands-on learning. First, cadets learn to follow, but as they progress, they learn how to lead small teams, manage projects, think independently and develop leadership skills they can use in adult life.
Aerospace
Aerospace
CAP inspires in youth a love of aviation, space and technology. Cadets study the fundamentals of aerospace science in the classroom, and experience flight first-hand in CAP aircraft. Summer activities allow cadets to explore aerospace career opportunities.
Fitness
Fitness
CAP encourages cadets to develop a lifelong habit of regular exercise. The Cadet Program promotes fitness through calisthenics, hiking, rappelling, volleyball, competitions and other activities.
Character
Character
CAP challenges cadets to live their Core Values. Through character forums, cadets discuss ethical issues relevant to teens. Chaplains often lead the discussions, but the forums are not religious meetings. CAP also encourages cadets to promote a drug free ethic in their schools and communities.
Participation & Expectations
Participation & Expectations
We ask cadets to strive to achieve certain basic goals during their first year. While school and family obligations take priority over CAP, cadets make a solemn promise to participate in the program and give it a fair try. It’s okay to be absent sometimes, but here is some background for parents about those expectations and how to support your cadet in the program.
Cadets will attend weekly squadron meetings and one special “Saturday” activity per month, if available. It’s important to arrive on time and to let someone know about an absence.
Cadets are expected to complete achievements and advance through the cadet program. This requires independently studying leadership and aerospace materials and taking online tests outside of meetings. We also communicate through email. Thank you for allowing your cadet sufficient internet access to complete these tasks.
Cadets are encouraged to attend encampment, the highlight of a cadet’s first year. An encampment is usually an overnight experience, 1-week in duration, held in the summer or over winter break.
If your cadet participates in special activities such as the Cyber Patriot team, color guard, or drill team, they are making a commitment to that team. Discuss the time requirements for participation beforehand with your cadet and Squadron 45 leadership.
Many young people participate in multiple after-school activities. Be aware that when other commitments result in the cadet showing up late or missing meetings, that could affect their role in the squadron and eligibility for special activities.
FLYING
FLYING
CADET ORIENTATION FLIGHTS
CADET ORIENTATION FLIGHTS
Program Motto: “Safe, Fun, Educational”
CAP’s volunteer pilots share their love of flying with cadets. Through orientation flights in powered aircraft and gliders, cadets experience flight first-hand. While aloft, cadets handle the controls during the noncritical stages of the flight. CAP’s pilots are licensed by the FAA, follow a syllabus for each flight, and ensure the flight is conducted safely. Cadets may also receive orientation flights in military aircraft. Orientation flights are FREE to cadets. Fact Sheet for Parents
Annual Dues & Uniforms
Annual Dues & Uniforms
Cadets’ annual membership dues in California Wing are $45. Additionally, cadets may be charged fees to cover meal and lodging costs at special activities.
Uniform
The Air Force-style uniform is a symbol of the Core Values, inspiring cadets to think of themselves as young leaders. The first required uniform is the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) after completing the Cadet Training Flight.
Upon completing the Cadet Training Flight and earning Achievement 1, CAP provides each cadet with a $100 voucher for the dress “blues” uniform.
When a cadet outgrows a uniform or leaves CAP, we ask families to turn those items in to the local squadron so other cadets might use them.
Uniforms are most commonly obtained from the official Civil Air Patrol uniform supplier, Vanguard, but items can be obtained from other sources as long as they meet the styles and requirements in CAPR 39-1, Civil Air Patrol Uniform Regulation.
Our Philosophy for Developing Youth
Our Philosophy for Developing Youth
CAP treats cadets as young adults, not children. The Cadet Program instills a sense of personal responsibility and self-discipline. When cadets use their chain of command to ask questions about cadet life or to get help with a problem, they learn self-reliance. Therefore, the cadet experience works best when cadets —not their parent— take responsibility for preparing their uniforms, navigating their way through promotion and award requirements, registering themselves for special events, and the like.
Freedom to Make Mistakes
CAP is a safe place to learn. Our program is carefully designed to develop your cadet as a leader. An important part of that process is the ability to try a new skill and perhaps be less than fully successful at first. A cadet may be reluctant to “stretch their wings” if parents are watching. Please allow your cadet to grow and develop as they work with their fellow cadets and their adult mentors. Parents who hover too closely often inhibit the very successes they hope to see in their cadets.
Homesick Cadets
At overnight activities, it’s normal for cadets to be homesick at first. Limiting contact between cadets and parents, versus reaching for “the world’s longest umbilical cord,” —the cell phone— helps cadets overcome their initial nervousness. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents not to make “pick-up” arrangements as a hedge against homesickness because that approach can undermine the cadet’s confidence and independence.
School Comes First
Cadets are required to maintain “satisfactory progress” in school, as determined by their parents or guardian. The self-discipline that CAP builds typically results in improved grades at school. We support cadets by emphasizing that school takes priority over cadet activities.
An Invitation to Participate
An Invitation to Participate
Parents are welcome to observe all CAP activities. There are no secret meetings. CAP can always use more adult volunteers. If you are willing to serve occasionally as a chaperone or driver, consider joining as a Cadet Sponsor Member. If you are interested in participating more fully in CAP’s emergency services, aerospace education or cadet program missions, consider joining as a Senior Member.
Addressing Concerns
As a parent, any time you have a question or concern, please contact the our squadron commander. CAP takes parents’ concerns very seriously. If our local leaders are unable to resolve an issue to your satisfaction, our Inland Empire Group 3 and California Wing leaders will gladly address your concerns.
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