We think that the Civil Air Patrol cadet program is one of the most interesting and exciting programs that you could possibly find. You'll enjoy many adventures, experiences and just plain fun times, if you decide to join the CAP.
    The CAP isn't for everybody. That doesn't mean that anyone who is at least 11 and in 6th grade and is a citizen or legal resident of the United States can't join if they want to; it just means that to enjoy what CAP has to offer you need to want what we have to give.
    In the CAP you'll get close to a lot of aerospace hardware and be involved in many chances for flying.
    You'll learn about leadership and ways to solve problems and to accomplish your future goals that will give you great opportunities that you probably wouldn't have gotten anywhere else.
    Did we mention that it's fun? We go on hikes and trips and tours. We can learn to fly and take marksmanship training and shoot rockets. There are week long encampments on military bases and opportunities to do things that other kids just dream of. When was the last time you climbed down inside a missle silo?
    We even have parties and beach trips and snowball fights and barbeques!

    Does sitting in the cockpit of a military aircraft while you talk with the pilot sound good to you? How about flying on a C-130 to some other part of the United States, or taking tours of military installations? Being there at Space Shuttle landings or learning to fly a sailplane? Would you like to take the controls of a Cessna while on an orientation flight, or even learn to fly it? If it sounds good, then you're in the right place! CAP Cadets do this sort of thing and more! It's not free, but you won't find a better bargain anywhere.
    You can learn to lead others while learning to be in control of yourself at the same time. Cadets learn techniques and other "secrets" that help them to be better in school with less "sweat", to achieve things that they thought were impossible dreams and to prepare themselves for futures that they thought were way out of reach. Leadership training is challenging and fun... and it really feels good to suceed! Don't fear the future; take command of it!
    You can help others who really need it, too. Our CAP Cadets were among hundreds of other members who worked at shelters and other relief sites following the Northridge Earthquake, to bring real help to those whose lives were disrupted during the disaster. CAP regularly works in Search and Rescue and provides other emergency services and Cadets can be trained to help in this effort. You get dirty and tired, but you can really make a difference.
    We hope that you'll visit with us. Visitors are escorted during their first several meetings by one of our cadets who will explain what is going on and show you how to do some of the simple parts of our opening and closing formations. He or she will try to answer your questions and will let you know what would be expected of you if you decide to join. Your parents will also be invited to visit and talk with us casually, before your membership application can be accepted. See you next week!