Civil Air Patrol Cadets take part in annual RI Wing event

Cadets representing the squadrons in Rhode Island, as well as members from Alabama, New York, and Vermont assembled at Camp Varnum in Narragansett to take part in the Rhode Island Wing Annual Spring Encampment (April 16-22).

During the weeklong event, cadets worked through team building exercises, customs and courtesies, Aerospace Education, daily physical training and orientation flights in Civil Air Patrol aircraft. In addition, Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) seminars and demonstrations, and Black Hawk helicopter rides provided by the RI Army National Guard were on the schedule.

Encampment Commander Lt. Col. William Stranahan said in a statement, "The purpose of the week is to help them build on teamwork and leadership in CAPs three congressionally mandated missions of Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.

Stranahan called encampment a "challenging experience" because it requires self-discipline and learned independence.

When asked about her experience at the encampment for a press release, out-of-state Cadet Second Lieutenant Abigail Williams said, “I really enjoyed working with all the cadets and the activities we did," "The skills we learn, we can bring back to our squadrons, such as the teamwork we learn through the obstacle course and I had the opportunity to learn about how things run from another point of view."

Also participating this year for his first time was the Director of Communications for the RI Wing, Senior Member, 2nd Lt. Charlie Sutton, who also shared his observations about the cadets and their achievements in the release, "It was awesome to see them set their goals and not only meet them but exceed them and see how happy they were to do that," he said.

To qualify for advancement in rank and responsibility in the CAP program, cadets are required to attend and graduate at least one basic encampment.

The week-long training event presents the five key traits of cadet life: the uniform, aerospace themes, opportunities to lead, challenges, and fun in an intensive environment that moves cadets beyond their normal comfort zones for personal growth. To develop their resilience, cadets may encounter momentary setbacks toward their personal and team goals during the carefully designed activities.

Encampment showcases the CAP Cadet Programs regimented, Air Force-styled training model in a positive, age-appropriate manner consistent with CAP and Air Force traditions. Encampments operate at a higher level of intensity in respect to the military aspects of cadet life than virtually any other cadet activity.