We encourage all Parents and Guardians to become involved in the Cadet program and Civil Air Patrol. The Cadet's will have activities and training which will need re-enforcement from their family. We encourage all Cadet's to participate in all aspects of the program and obtain as much training as they can. The program is preparing them for leadership roles and thus they need encouragement.
CAP takes its responsibility to safeguard youth very seriously. The adult volunteers who interact with cadets (known as CAP senior members) have been fingerprinted and screened by the FBI. Also, as part of their leadership training, advanced cadets lead and mentor new cadets under the guidance of senior members.
For Parents, certain activities we do invite family to observe but due to our strict cadet Protection policies, Parents who are not members will not be permitted to attend many of the events or even help us with transportation.
To alleviate this problem, there are several ways for parents to get more involved and meet the background checks required.
CAP has several membership type in which you can choose from.
Regular Senior Membership This entitles you to all the privileges and rank of being a CAP member. this one does require some commitment and some parents believe this is too much at this time to consider. Senior Member can take a leadership role in the Squadron and the Cadet Program, and/or participate in CAP's aerospace education and emergency services missions.
We have found that many parents, after seeing the program elect to become Senior Members. They very often continue with CAP after their Cadet has grown and moved on.
The next Membership is Cadet Sponsor (CSM)
The Cadet Sponsor Member (CSM) is a membership category for parents who want to be more involved in their cadet’s unit but do not care to pursue CAP Advancement.
CSMs will assist their unit’s Cadet Program, but their involvement is limited to providing adult supervision, serving as an overnight chaperon, administrative help, organizing events, or helping with transportation.
CSMs will pay annual national membership dues, the same as a Senior Member.
A CSM must be a parent, grandparent or legal guardian of an active CAP cadet. Their membership terminates when the cadet’s membership terminates, and they will be assigned to the same unit as the cadet. CSMs will complete the senior member Level I and Cadet Protection Program Training programs before associating with cadets. They may drive a corporate vehicle after obtaining proper CAP licensing. They may ride on military or CAP transportation to CAP events in support of their function.
CSMs may wear any of the CAP distinctive uniforms if desired (and approved by the unit commander). However, CSMs will not wear the Air Force style uniform. CSMs will not earn CAP grade, awards, ribbons, or decorations.