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.