Local Civil Air Patrol Unit Emphasizes Youth Fitness

To fulfill its mission, the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is organized around four main program elements: leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. Today we’ll discuss fitness. 

The goal of the cadet physical fitness program is to make cadets physically fit and to motivate them to develop a life-long habit of regular exercise. 

Our squadron schedule includes two meetings devoted to fitness each month. The 2nd Tuesday is devoted to fitness training, which might include a team-building sport. The Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT) is held on the 3rd Tuesday. 

In addition to leadership and aerospace exams, a character development class, and a safety briefing, cadets must pass the CPFT in order to promote in rank and advance through the program. 

To pass the CPFT, cadets must complete a mile run in a time consistent with their age and gender, in addition to two out of three exercises; push-ups, sit-ups, and a sit and reach measurement, again dependant on age, and based on a sliding scale. 

For example, a 12-year-old female cadet is expected to complete the mile run in under 12:46 and do nine push-ups in less than one minute, while a 17-year-old male cadet must run under 7:04 and do 37 push-ups.  

The CPFT is aligned with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and cadets can earn awards from the President’s Challenge. 

Membership in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to legal residents aged 12 – 17. Overlake Squadron is the largest CAP cadet unit in Washington State with members living in Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, Renton, North Bend and Snoqualmie. We meet Tuesday evenings 6:45-9:00pm at the LWSD Resource Center in the Redmond Town Center.  

New members are always welcome to attend. www.overlakecap.org