By Wyatt Blackmore
C/1st Lt, CAP
The Selkirk Composite Squadron will host an open house for the community from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in the Bonners Ferry High School library to allow the attendees to learn more about Civil Air Patrol, a non-profit organization that focuses on training kids from 12-18 years old and adults of all ages in the art and science of leadership.
Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer run organization that serves as a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP teaches both its cadets and senior members many subjects from an Air Force based curriculum. This means that they will learn about leadership, aerospace, emergency services like search and rescue, character development and physical fitness.
Selkirk Composite Squadron’s cadet program focuses on preparing teens for leadership positions and gives them opportunities to expound upon interests they already have or maybe show them paths they’d never considered. Once signed up they will be required to complete one aerospace lesson and one leadership lesson independently before each of their promotions, encouraging cadets to become more self-sufficient and disciplined. As they progress through the ranks they will be given more trust and responsibility until they themselves are teaching the new cadets.
Cadets are also given many other optional activities throughout the year that they may choose to apply for and attend, such as the highly anticipated encampment and tours of aviation focused places like Timberline helicopters. They may choose to apply for a National Cadet Special Activity, allowing them to go anywhere in the country to learn about any offered subject, including space and engineering academies.
As implied by the name, flying is a major part of Civil Air Patrol. Cadets are given orientation rides by seasoned pilots, being integrated to the whole process and even getting to fly the plane themselves. Each ride covers a different part of the flight experience, and certain National Cadet Special Activities can allow a cadet to perform their first solo flight at the age of 16.
Another important aspect of the Civil Air Patrol is its senior member program. Adults of all ages are invited to join and help in volunteering for your community and serving your country. Senior members have their own module based ranking system, provided curriculums for all of the subjects you can teach cadets, and opportunities to assist in emergency missions through our emergency services program.
In addition to being taught about physical fitness, emergency services, character development, aerospace, leadership, and self-discipline, cadets in the Civil Air Patrol are more well prepared for their futures, learning skills that not only apply to the Air Force but to any career field. Cadets who are looking to join the armed forces of the United States have a better chance of doing so thanks to the unique training offered. We hope that you can make it to the open house where any questions you have about the program can be answered by dedicated members of the community.
