Civil Air Patrol cadets struggling to pay for their wings’ summer aviation camps, uniforms, and transportation can rest a bit easier now, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Air Force.
More than 1,000 cadets will be eligible to receive economic assistance and help defray the costs for attending CAP summer camps spread out across the country and in Puerto Rico because of a financial door opened by the Air Force. They will join more than 6,000 cadet campers already enrolled in the summer programs that highlight leadership, physical fitness, character development, and aviation-themed educational experiences.
The learning academies often provide ways for the youths to advance in rank, with classes in leadership, physical fitness, and life skills. This year’s camp curriculum highlights character development and science, technology, engineering, and math concepts—qualities that can turn cadets into pilots and community leaders.
“While there are still many financially needy cadets un-served, this has gone a long ways to allow some young Americans to experience aviation in a way they never would have if not for this initiative,” said Daniel R. Sitterly, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs.
Cadets who attend encampments achieve more and advance further in the CAP Cadet Program, according to Maj. Gen. Joe Vazquez, CAP’s national commander. “This learning experience is very important for the cadets, their families, their communities, CAP, and, in years down the line, for America,” said Vazquez.
The Civil Air Patrol, a nonprofit organization with 58,000 members nationwide, is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. CAP operates a fleet of 550 aircraft, and in its Air Force auxiliary role, the organization assists the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center by executing search and rescue missions across the continental U.S. More than 24,000 young people participate in CAP cadet programs across the country.
The cadet summer encampment assistance program is available primarily to first-time attendees participating in this summer’s camp programs. Cadets can apply online through CAP’s eServices software and more information is available on the CAP encampment assistance site.
