Cadets
Cadets
Cadet's in the Civil Air Patrol are young people anywhere from 12 years old, to 20 years old. Cadets learn valuable leadership, followership, and life skills in the Cadet Program.
Cadets in the Civil Air Patrol get the opportunity to go on real world search and rescue missions, fly, participate in STEM activities, participate in Cadet Competition, and make new friends across the nation.
Cadets also have the opportunity to serve the community of Valparaiso and the surrounding area, and truly make a difference.
If you'd like to learn more about the Cadet Program, contact us!
CAP Cadet Program - At a glance*
Mission: Transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders |
Established: 1942 |
Age to Join: 12 through 18 |
Content Areas: Leadership, Aerospace, Fitness, Character |
Total Cadets: 25,000 |
Locations: 1,000 hometown squadrons |
Time Commitment: Ideally, cadets participate in a 2-hour squadron meeting each week, plus one "Saturday" event monthly and one week-long encampment in summer, but of course, school and family obligations take priority** |
Costs: Annual dues of $25 - $60, depending upon location; some assistance is available with uniform costs and overnight activity fees; a fully-active cadet could incur $300 to $600 in costs during the first year, less any financial assistance |
Military Obligation: None, but 8% of USAF Academy cadets are former CAP cadets |
Annual Flying Hours: 25,000 hrs in single-engine aircraft; 12,000 glider sorties |
* All figures are approximations that will vary year-to-year |