Ensuring Civil Air Patrol cadets have a safe and nurturing environment is the organization’s No. 1 priority, according to Katie Thurson, CAP’s Youth Protection Program manager.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to take ownership of this principle,” Thurson said. “To support all members’ ability to provide our cadets with the best possible experience during activities, two training programs have been greatly enhanced.”
The Cadet Protection Basic Renewal course has been completely redone, with new learning objectives, content, and assessments, and is available in Absorb. Since the new course became available May 6, more than 1,600 members have taken the training.
“Members are encouraged to take this new training as we prepare for the busy summer season of cadet activities and our move to a 12-month renewal cycle beginning Aug. 27,” Thurson said, adding that the new course consists of three modules: Reinforcement and Responsibility, Understanding Cadet Protection Risks, and Two-Deep and Beyond (Implementation Strategies).
Required Staff Training, or RST, is a long-standing Civil Air Patrol program focused most heavily on summer encampments. With anticipated updates to CAP regulations 60-1 and 60-2, however, training will now be required for any cadet activities four nights in duration or longer, such as encampments, Region Cadet Leadership Schools, National Cadet Special Activities, and National Flight Academies.
All staff for these activities will first take the new “Cadet Protection Required Staff Training” course in CAP’s Absorb learning system — available via eServices. Through three modules focusing on cadet protection, safety/health, and training environment, members will learn about best practices and how to apply them at a cadet activity. Credit for the online modules will show up on the member’s training record in eServices.
Some activities will be required to also provide in-person training within 24 to 72 hours of cadet arrival. The new program is outlined in CAPP 60-72.
