Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Program

CAP was founded in 1941. It is a volunteer civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (“non combatant volunteers”). CAP is a national benevolent nonprofit organization with over 60,000 members, including over 26,000 cadets and nearly 35,000 adult members.
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) offers a “Cadet Program” for the youth of Scotch Plains and adjacent towns. The program is open to teenagers from 12 to 18 years old. The Cadet Program promotes the use of aerospace themes to help educators excite and motivate their students to excel in science, math, technology, language arts, social studies, and other traditional subjects. In addition, cadets receive Aerospace Education, Flight Orientations, STEM education, and more.
CAP promotes strong character in its cadets, which is reflected in the CAP Core Values: Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect. Cadets learn how to lead through formal classroom instruction and hands-on experience where they apply leadership principles to real world challenges within the cadet corps.
Through a graduated curriculum, cadets first learn to follow, then to lead small groups, and ultimately experience command and executive level leadership, earning grade and honors along the way. Topics include how to think critically, communicate effectively, make decisions, motivate, and manage conflict. Self-discipline and teamwork are emphasized. Physical Activities are also part of the Cadet Program in order to encourage a healthy life style.
CAP has summer programs for cadets that they can attend in different parts of the nation and outside of the USA. Furthermore, CAP provides scholarships, career exploration activities, and opportunities to fly.
Military Commitment: Although the Air Force provides most of CAP’s funding, cadets are not obligated to join the military. However, 10% of the cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy get their start in CAP.
CAP still actively performs search and rescue missions within the United States (a program tailored to adults and older cadets). After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Civil Air Patrol aircraft provided the first aerial pictures of the World Trade Center site, “Ground Zero,” and also flew transport missions bringing donated blood to New York City. CAP members responded by the thousands to help out in the aftermath of hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005, both on the air and on the ground – helping with search missions, disaster relief and aerial survey flights.
For info call Mary Romany at 732-424-6484 Email: mary.romany@njwg.cap.gov Meetings: Every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Chatham High School- room L10.