# Presentation: 192242

## Great Activities

**Seminar in the ****TRAINING LEADERS of CADETS**** curriculum**** **
**“****Managing a Cadet Program” Block  **  **Lesson M3**

## Introduction

- “Summer encampment was awesome . . . I’d definitely like to go back, but I decided to quit CAP because in my squadron all we do is drill and listen to boring lectures.”
- Jason Clark
- Former cadet

## Introduction

**Lessons learned from cadet exit surveys:**
- Annual events, no matter how wonderful, will not retain cadets. **Having worthwhile weekly meetings is the key. **
- Cadets recognize quality when they see it. Ensure activities are well-planned.
- Seniors need to allow cadets to have a sense of ownership over their activities. Work through the cadet staff.

## Overview & objectives

- 1. Identify the elements found in routine weekly squadron meetings.
- 2.	Describe the benefits of organizing meetings around a quarterly schedule.
- 3. Discuss examples of activities, and how their scope differs at the local, wing, and national level.
- 4. Describe standard practices for managing cadet activities.

## Weekly meetings

**The nucleus of the Cadet Program is the weekly squadron meeting.**
- 2 1⁄2 hours, with plenty of hands-on
- Planned well and in advance, with cadet staff involvement
- Activities should center around the training required for promotions
- Meetings should be cumulative, building upon one another

## Quarterly schedule

- Quarterly schedules allow time to meet cadets’ promotion requirements through a **CORE CURRICULUM**, plus do **SPECIAL TRAINING** and projects.

## Special activities

- Special activities – events that take place beyond the weekly squadron meeting – allow cadets to experience new challenges and apply what they have learned.
- Every squadron can offer local activities for all cadets. Higher echelons provide activities for advanced cadets.

## Local activities

- Orientation flights
- Model rocketry
- Bivouacs
- Satellite Tool Kit
- Honor guards
- Community service
- Aerospace outreach
- Emergency services training
-         ... your success stories?

## Region & wing activities

- Encampments – a must for every cadet!
- Drill Team & Color Guard Competitions
- Region Cadet Leadership Schools
- Conferences
- Other events specific to your wing or region

## National cadet special activities

- At National Cadet Special Activities, cadets develop leadership skills, explore aerospace careers, or fly.

## Standard management practices

- Cadets recognize quality when they see it.
**What are some good standard management practices to follow when planning and conducting cadet activities?**

- Publicize in advance
- Cadet staff input throughout;
- Plenty of seniors as mentors
- Showstoppers: meals and lodging
- Specific & measurable objective(s)
- Written schedule
- Hands-on focus
- Parents’ info & legal releases
- Gear list
- Travel directions
- Safety plan
- Public affairs plan
- Begin & end on time

## Summary

- The nucleus of the Cadet Program is the weekly squadron meeting.
- Special activities are the electives of the Cadet Program.
- Cadets recognize quality when they see it.

## Conclusion

- “In our squadron, if you miss a meeting, you feel like you’ve lost out on something cool . . .  On the cadet staff, we’re learning how to set goals and develop schedules. Every meeting is absolutely full with activities. Cadet attendance is way up.  I think we’ve got one of the best squadrons in the wing.”
- C/MSgt Glenn Sizemore