Info for Parents

How do we get started?

We meet every Tuesday from 6:30-9:00 pm and meetings are open to the public. For the first-time visitor, the best experience will be on a night other than PT Night, unless your child really likes athletics. Email, call, or text to check if it's PT night.

What's the time commitment? Will my cadet need to attend every meeting?

We meet weekly and try to have at least one weekend day activity per month. We encourage cadets to attend as many meetings and activities as their schedule allows.

Our meetings and activities include various aspects of training, some of which are required for promotions. However, the primary responsibility of cadets is to do their best at school. Academic assignments must be given priority over attendance at squadron meetings. If a cadet has a test the next day and is not prepared, then he or she should stay home and study.

What goes on at the weekly meetings?

Cadets get hands-on training in leadership, aerospace education, emergency services, physical training, and Air Force drill. Here’s a general outline of a Tuesday night:

Here’s a general outline of a Tuesday night: 

• 6:15 p.m. — Members begin arriving and sign-in. 

• 6:30 p.m. — Opening formation. Cadets will usually stay outside until 7:00 for uniform inspection or to practice marching and drill movements. 

• 7:00 p.m. — Activity: Each week is a main activity such as a training class or presentation, team building activity, physical training, etc., usually followed by a second activity such testing, another class, or a promotion ceremony. Senior members meet at the same time. 

• 8:30 p.m. — Room clean-up, sign up for events, announcements. 

• 8:55 p.m. — Reform outside, close the meeting, members dismissed. 

Can I stay at the meetings with my child?

Absolutely. Parents and visitors are always welcome to attend meetings and stay and watch what the cadets do.

What's expected of me?

We ask that you educate yourself on the cadet program and support your cadet as they grow and mature in the program. Cadets should be encouraged to manage their involvement in CAP on their own as much as possible and use their cadet leadership as sources. They will need transportation to meetings and activities, they might need help with their uniform, and you will need to fill out and sign permission and other forms for some activities.

What's expected of my child?

This is best expressed in the Cadet Oath:

I pledge to serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state and nation.

Here's what we'd like to see in your cadet's first year, to get them started strong:

• Attend weekly squadron meetings and at least 1 Saturday activity per month

• Make their first promotion, the Curry Achievement, within 8 weeks of joining

• Attend a week-long summer encampment

• Earn the Wright Brothers Award within the first year

What about Flying?

We do not have an airplane, but cadets are eligible for up to 5 free orientation flights (O-flights). We arrange the flights to take place at a nearby small airport (Gastonia, Shelby, Concord) in CAP-owned, single-engine Cessna’s flown by CAP pilots. Cadets learn the mechanics of the plane, how it operates, and are even given a chance to fly once airborne. O-flights are a chance for cadets to experience flight hands-on and gain a better understanding of aviation. We do not have an airplane and so must request flights from units that have airplanes. For cadets interested in pursuing formal flight instruction leading to a solo flight or private pilot certificate, there are opportunities to attend flight academies and there are flight scholarship programs.

What is Encampment?

During the summer cadets can go to a week-long, overnight “encampment, which is CAP's version of "boot camp.” New cadets attend as students, veteran cadets can attend as staff. Encampment is an immersion into a regimented environment and is the highlight of a cadet’s first year. Cadets learn and develop leadership skills, explore STEM and military careers, challenge themselves on obstacle courses, make friends, and have fun. Graduating from encampment is required before a cadet can apply for other out-of-squadron activities that are offered each year.

How much is participating in CAP going to cost?

Annual dues are $50. The biggest initial expense is uniforms, and there are 2, but, the cadet doesn’t need both right away, and we might have pants, blouses, and other items in our supply closet. If you have to buy everything new for both uniforms, it can cost $300-400. Boots are probably the most costly uniform expense.

The costs for weekend activities vary, depending on what we're doing. Many are no cost. If we're going somewhere we might ask for gas money, and your cadet will need money for food when we stop to eat.

If your child is interested emergency services and search and rescue, they will eventually need a “24-hour pack” — a backpack with gear needed to survive in the wilderness for 24 hours. Cost is $100-150.

Safety and Supervision

We take safety very seriously and do not tolerate any form of abusive behavior or hazing. We have very detailed cadet supervision, safety, and risk management regulations. All adult members undergo FBI fingerprinting and background screenings and complete training in cadet protection and safety. Cadets complete a safety training course before they can earn their first stripe, and our squadron is regularly inspected for regulatory compliance by HQ.

What if I want to help or get more involved?

There are a few options.

• If you want to participate in CAP activities with your cadet, consider joining as a Cadet Sponsor Member. You can chaperone, provide transportation, or supervise cadets during squadron activities, and can wear a CAP uniform if you want. You will have no official duties and won't earn rank. Some online training is required before you can participate in activities with cadets.

• If you are interested in participating more fully, consider joining as a Senior Member. Senior members perform official CAP duties, participate in the activities of the unit, wear CAP uniforms, and earn rank.

• A third choice is to become a Patron member. Patron members support CAP by paying annual dues, but they don't wear a CAP uniform or participate in CAP activities. They can attend meetings, CAP conferences, and squadron social functions.

More Info for Parents

Click here to go to the Parents page of the national website.