Parents
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 or during the summer.
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.
Parents Guide to the CAP Cadet Program
Consider ways you can support the mission of Lynchburg Composite Squadron.
Cadet Sponsor Member -occasionally support cadets as a chaperone or driver
To volunteer, talk with the squadron commander, who will give you a membership application, help you get fingerprinted, and complete an orientation course. Annual dues vary by state.
Parents Committee -help arrange carpools, plan social events, raise funds, and connect the squadron to your hometown by serving on an informal parents’ committee
– To volunteer, talk with your son’s or daughter’s squadron commander.
Addressing Concerns
Any time you have a question or concern about CAP, please feel free to contact your son’s or daughter’s squadron commander using the contact page.
