Ages 12–18
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program
A year-round experience designed to challenge and inspire young people — and a launchpad into aviation, STEM, and service.
Cadets learn to lead, fly, hike, camp, stay physically fit, and push themselves to new personal limits. The program is built on four core elements — leadership, aerospace education, fitness, and character development — which guide cadets as they progress through a series of achievements and increasing responsibilities.
Leadership
Cadets take on real responsibility, learning to lead their peers through a structured progression of achievements and rank.
Aerospace Education
Hands-on aerospace and STEM learning, flight simulation, and orientation flights in CAP aircraft.
Physical Fitness
A year-round fitness program that builds discipline, resilience, and healthy habits that outlast the uniform.
Character Development
Ethics, integrity, and service — the foundation everything else in the program is built on.
Where It Leads
Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers, and scientists began here.
The skills cadets gain — confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose — prepare them for success in aviation, the military, STEM fields, and any career they choose.
For youth dreaming of flight, space exploration, or service, Civil Air Patrol provides a powerful foundation.
Every dollar stays with the squadron.
Help fund the uniforms, equipment, training, and experiences that build tomorrow’s leaders.