Civil Air Patrol held open house at Bonners Ferry High School

Tuesday, April 22, curious residents gathered in the library of Bonners Ferry High School to learn more about the Civil Air Patrol program. The event was hosted by Civil Air Patrol’s, Selkirk Composite Squadron.  

Cadets and other members of the CAP squadron were on hand to talk with those attending the event. In addition, informational displays explaining the goals and opportunities of the program.  

The open house gave those interested in the patrol a chance to learn more about the program or for those who were unfamiliar with it, a chance to learn about the organization. 

Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that focuses on training kids from 12-18, and adults of all ages in the art of science and leadership. The organization serves as a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP teaches cadets and senior members alike a variety of subjects from an Air Force based curriculum. This means that they will learn about leadership, aerospace, emergency services like search and rescue, character development, and physical fitness.  

“Selkirk Composite Squadron’s cadet program focuses on preparing teens for leadership positions and gives them opportunities to expound upon interests they already have or maybe show them paths they’d never considered. Once signed up they will be required to complete one aerospace lesson and one leadership lesson independently before each of their promotions, encouraging cadets to become more self-sufficient and disciplined. As they progress through the ranks they will be given more trust and responsibility until they themselves are teaching the new cadets.”. Wyatt Blackmore, C/1st Lt, CAP, said in a press release. 

“Cadets are also given many other optional activities throughout the year that they may choose to apply for and attend, such as the highly anticipated encampment and tours of aviation focused places like Timberline helicopters. They may choose to apply for a National Cadet Special Activity, allowing them to go anywhere in the country to learn about any offered subject, including space and engineering academies.” Blackmore said about the activities offered in the program. 

As implied by the name, flying is a major part of Civil Air Patrol. Cadets are given orientation rides by seasoned pilots, being integrated to the whole process and even getting to fly the plane themselves. Each ride covers a different part of the flight experience, and certain National Cadet Special Activities can allow a cadet to perform their first solo flight at the age of 16.  

Another important aspect of the Civil Air Patrol is its senior member program. Adults of all ages are invited to join and help in volunteering for your community and serving your country. Senior members have their own module based ranking system, provided curriculums for all of the subjects you can teach cadets, and opportunities to assist in emergency missions through the emergency services program.  

In addition to being taught about physical fitness, emergency services, character development, aerospace, leadership, and self-discipline, cadets in the Civil Air Patrol are more well prepared for their futures, learning skills that not only apply to the Air Force but to any career field.  

C/Lt. Col. Caden Therkildsen, 18, has been with CAP since he was 12 years old and the experience has impacted his life in many positive ways.  

“It has definitely guided my idea for my career path in many huge ways.” Therkildsen said of how CAP has impacted his life. “It’s been a very divers experience that gives me lots of perspective on all sorts of different walks of life and it’s been really great for that.” 

Therkildsen said the program offers a number of other benefits, such as leadership skills and confidence.   

“It is also a learning organization and a great leadership laboratory for kids to experiment with their leadership, learn more about leadership, and overall, build their own self confidence and gain charisma,” he said. “It’s prepared me, personally, a lot for the future. It’s given me skills with things like professional emails, professional essays outside of school, giving speeches. It has greatly enhanced my public speaking skills and given me the amazing ability to speak in front of people that I would have never dreamed that I could have. It has also given me a diverse experience in my life, more than many adults have even experienced.”  

Those who would like more information about Civil Air Patrol can visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or contact Capt. Damen Therkildsen at dtherkildsen@idwgcap.org.