Aviation And Wilderness Academies To Be Offered Soon

Aero-News learned recently two new activities available to Civil Air Patrol cadets -- an aviation academy and a wilderness academy – will be offered in the near future thanks to Evergreen International Aviation Inc. of McMinnville, OR and CAP.

Beginning summer 2008, the Capt. Michael King Smith Evergreen Aviation Academy will introduce cadets to the leadership, business, ethics and operational knowledge required for success in the aviation industry. In addition, the Evergreen Wilderness Survival Academy aims to give the cadets the self-confidence, team-building and leadership skills required not only to meet challenges in the wilderness, but also in life. Preparations for the world-class program will take place this summer, with expert survivalists building facilities, training approximately 30 instructors and performing other prep work for the academy’s expected launch in summer 2009.

Three cadets from each of CAP’s eight regions will be selected to attend the academies. Both will be held in McMinnville, Evergreen’s international headquarters, located approximately 40 miles from Portland. 

The academies will complement more than 30 cadet special activities held each summer in locations across America. More than 1,250 youth participated in the program this year.

"Evergreen Aviation’s commitment to youth, as evidenced by the establishment of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and, now, these programs is impressive," said CAP Interim National Commander Brig. Gen. Amy Courter. "The programs will ensure that 48 outstanding cadets annually have new opportunities to expand their horizons and, in the process, to soar like eagles. CAP is proud to partner with Evergreen Aviation in this endeavor." 

"CAP and Evergreen share similar key values," said Delford M. Smith, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and founder of Evergreen International Aviation, Inc. "We at Evergreen believe in living lives full of higher purpose, working hard and taking advantage of opportunities. CAP exemplifies the values we hold dear, so a relationship with CAP seemed a natural fit."

Evergreen's relationship with CAP spans more than 15 years. The Oregon Wing’s McMinnville Composite Squadron participated in a private air show for Evergreen in its first major project as a squadron. From that initial involvement, a partnership flourished. The McMinnville squadron has since worked closely with Evergreen on several projects, including the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.

FMI: www.cap.gov, www.evergreenaviation.com