Students in Knox County are finding unique opportunities through their local Civil Air Patrol (CAP), where they build leadership skills, learn about aviation, and give back to their community.
CAP is an evening extracurricular program that meets at the airport and brings together students from different schools, including homeschoolers. It gives cadets the chance to be part of something bigger while learning in a hands-on environment.
“CAP is a lot of fun for me because I like seeing kids from different schools in the area, and even kids who are homeschooled, that I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” said sophomore Jenna Jurkowtiz.
This experience helps cadets connect with others while building teamwork and communication skills. Cadets in CAP take part in a wide range of training that helps them grow both mentally and physically.
The program includes physical fitness, uniform standards, aerospace education, and leadership exercises. Cadets can also earn Emergency Services credentials and participate in orientation flights, where they gain real experience in the air.
“Orientation flights are when you are taken in the air with a pilot and taught how to fly. They actually let you fly for a solid 45 minutes,” said Jurkowitz.
These hands-on activities help cadets gain confidence and develop skills they can use in the future.
For many students, being in CAP is about more than just training; it’s about personal growth and giving back. Balancing CAP with school and sports takes strong organization and dedication. At the same time, cadets are encouraged to hold themselves to higher standards and support their community.
“I think for me, being a cadet means helping out the community that has already done so much for me, and holding myself to a higher standard than most people my age,”said Jurkowitz.
Through CAP, cadets not only grow as leaders but also build lasting friendships and valuable life skills.
