Youth
Are you interested in serving your community, state, and nation?
Consider Cadet membership in Civil Air Patrol!
CAP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves as the civilian auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force. The Cadet Program is one of CAP's three missions. Through the Cadet Program, CAP transforms youth into responsible citizens and tomorrow's aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on four elements: leadership, aerospace, fitness and character.
The CAP Cadet Program is a year-round program where Cadets learn to lead, fly, serve, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. If you’re dreaming about a career in aviation, space, or the military and are between the ages of 12 and 18 then CAP’s Cadet Program is for you.
Cadets in our cadet corps participate in weekly squadron meetings which last usually 2 and 1/2 hours per week and, on average, one Saturday activity per month. There are also opportunities to attend leadership activities, encampments, career academies, and other activities during the summer.
During our weekly Monday night meetings Cadets get hands-on training in leadership, aerospace education, emergency services, physical training, and Air Force drill.
On the first Monday of the month, Cadets participate in Character development classes/activities. Also on this night, cadets who have completed the requirements for the next level in the program will receive their promotion and be formally recognized.
Uniform of the day: Air Force style dress Blues Uniform
The second Monday cadets will engage in physical training (PT) as a requirement for promotion and to encourage and uphold CAP’s standards of physical fitness. The PT test includes the mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit-and-reach. Following PT cadets learn leadership through fun activities and engaging discussion.
Uniform of the day: PT Uniform
The third Monday cadets learn about the basics of aviation and aerospace history with illustrations and models of aircraft.
Uniform of the day: ABU
The fourth Monday is used to teach cadets the essentials of emergency services, including how to use basic survival equipment such as compasses, maps, radios, etc., and help them earn the qualifications to go on real-life search and rescue missions.
Uniform of the day: ABU
In the case of a fifth Monday the evening will often be spent in team-building exercises and fun activities.
Uniform of the day: ABU
Experience the Thrill of Flight
Cadets also may receive five free orientation flights (O-rides) when they join. O-rides take place in a CAP-owned, single-engine plane flown by a licensed CAP pilot. During these flights, cadets learn the mechanics of the plane, how it operates, and are even given a chance to fly once take-off has been established. O-rides are a chance for cadets to experience flight hands-on and gain a better understanding of aviation. This is a fun experience that helps cadets learn the parts of an airplane, get the chance to fly, and often has a lasting impact on their love of aerospace.
Encampment – Teamwork and Friendship
During the summer cadets get the chance to go to an encampment, which can also be described as CAP’s equivalent to “boot camp” scaled to target the abilities of and provide a attainable challenges for teenagers. At encampment cadets experience a rigorous, week-long mental and physical challenge. Encampment pushes cadets to excel and gives them a lasting impression of teamwork and commitment. The only requirement for a cadet to go to encampment is his/her Curry award, which is his/her first promotion. Encampment is a fun experience for cadets to learn to work as a team and make new friends during their time there. Graduating from an encampment also allows the cadet to become eligible to apply for National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs) which are yet another way for cadets to expand their growth and education as individuals and future leaders.
To learn more about Virginia Wing Encampment, check out the 2022 Summer Encampment video!
