When it comes to service organizations, young people have a variety of groups to choose from. Popular youth service organizations include the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts, but a lesser-known alternative is the Civil Air Patrol's cadet program. While the cadet program shares several values and teaches similar lessons as Scouting troops, there are many things that set it apart - which is why Sara Dalrymple of Kirkwood decided to join her local squadron.

Sara, a rising freshman at Solanco High School, joined the Jesse Jones Composite Squadron 304 in October 2023. Sara's parents, Windsor and Berna Dalrymple, discovered the program while searching for enrichment opportunities for Sara and her younger sister, Leyla. Windsor and Berna were homeschooling both children, and they frequently take Sara and Leyla on trips to visit museums and participate in educational activities to make sure the school day never gets boring. "Education is something that's important to all of us," Windsor said. "We try to make it a fun pastime, not just sitting at a desk."

After contacting Civil Air Patrol, Windsor and Berna periodically received learning kits that primarily focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics lessons. Windsor, who works as a paramedic, said he was familiar with Civil Air Patrol due to its involvement in search and rescue efforts, but he and Berna were impressed with the depth and quality of the material. The Dalrymple family found the nearest squadron was located in Lititz, and after making a trip to check it out, Sara said she was immediately intrigued. "I thought it was a very interesting program, and I thought it was cool how they organized it," Sara added.

Since October, Sara has regularly attended weekly meetings that include a variety of lessons on safety, leadership and aerospace. The last meeting of every month incorporates a promotion night, where cadets can receive a new rank based on the activities and courses they have completed. As an auxiliary of the Air Force, the program also incorporates elements of military courtesy such as drill tests and uniform inspections, which can also help a cadet earn a new rank. Sara was named Cadet of the Month on June 11 for attending every meeting in May, completing eServices training and passing online examinations.

"I already had an idea in mind for what career I might pursue, but this has helped me grow more," Sara said. "I'm interested in studying science, but there are multiple pathways." Former cadets who decide to join the Air Force have opportunities to jump rank and get a head-start at the Air Force Academy.

"It's worthwhile for parents to know there's another group available," Windsor said. "(Civil Air Patrol) has almost every form of science, and they're interested in seeing kids become the best they can be."

For more information, visit http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/about/who-we-are.