Civil Air Patrol Encampment
Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters, 105 S. Hansell Street, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
About
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is part of Civil Air Patrol, which serves as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The program is based on core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect, and it operates within a national organization that conducts inland search and rescue, aerospace education, and other missions using trained volunteers, aircraft, small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and specialized technologies.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
Founded Dec. 1, 1941, Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, federally funded, 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Its stated mission is: “Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.” Civil Air Patrol operates in all 50 states, Puerto Rico (including the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the District of Columbia and in more than 1,400 communities.
Through their experiences as Civil Air Patrol cadets, young people develop into responsible citizens who join with adult members in helping their neighbors when disaster strikes. Civil Air Patrol conducts 90% of inland search and rescue in the U.S., as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and other agencies. Its aerospace education programs promote aerospace, aviation and STEM-related curriculum, activities, and careers in the nation’s classrooms, and its character and leadership programs for cadets and aerospace education programs for K–12 include a variety of youth development initiatives and aviation/STEM resources.
Civil Air Patrol provides mission-capable aircraft, a national small Unmanned Aircraft Systems fleet, specialized communications networks, imaging capabilities, and a cost-effective force of trained volunteers for its missions. CAP uses proprietary software for cellphone and radar forensics and geospatial technologies to support missions. Civil Air Patrol volunteers supported blood drives at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy, helping collect 1,581 units, and through Operation Pulse Lift, every blood unit provided potentially saves three lives. Based on its core values, Civil Air Patrol states that it provides a welcoming environment for all who qualify for membership and that organizational decisions are based on each individual’s abilities and interests, with participation and progress limited only by an individual’s desire, ability, participation, and performance.
Last updated February 13, 2026.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
Founded Dec. 1, 1941, Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, federally funded, 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Its stated mission is: “Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.” Civil Air Patrol operates in all 50 states, Puerto Rico (including the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the District of Columbia and in more than 1,400 communities.
Through their experiences as Civil Air Patrol cadets, young people develop into responsible citizens who join with adult members in helping their neighbors when disaster strikes. Civil Air Patrol conducts 90% of inland search and rescue in the U.S., as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and other agencies. Its aerospace education programs promote aerospace, aviation and STEM-related curriculum, activities, and careers in the nation’s classrooms, and its character and leadership programs for cadets and aerospace education programs for K–12 include a variety of youth development initiatives and aviation/STEM resources.
Civil Air Patrol provides mission-capable aircraft, a national small Unmanned Aircraft Systems fleet, specialized communications networks, imaging capabilities, and a cost-effective force of trained volunteers for its missions. CAP uses proprietary software for cellphone and radar forensics and geospatial technologies to support missions. Civil Air Patrol volunteers supported blood drives at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy, helping collect 1,581 units, and through Operation Pulse Lift, every blood unit provided potentially saves three lives. Based on its core values, Civil Air Patrol states that it provides a welcoming environment for all who qualify for membership and that organizational decisions are based on each individual’s abilities and interests, with participation and progress limited only by an individual’s desire, ability, participation, and performance.
Last updated February 13, 2026.
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