Did you know that Buffalo Creek Academy is the only school in New York State with a Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program?

“new energy flowing through our building and new opportunities at every corner”

We received our Charter from the Civil Air Patrol, the US Air Force’s Auxiliary, in October 2022. Ever since that date, there has been a new energy flowing through our building and new opportunities at every corner. Throughout this newsletter, I will highlight some of the amazing activities our students and staff have engaged in since our CAP Squadron was chartered!

Reaching for the Skies!

Our cadets have the opportunity to actually touch the sky! Each cadet has the chance to experience what CAP calls an “orientation flight” where, after completing a safety & aircraft familiarization course, they get to co-pilot a single engine aircraft with professional pilots. Check out the view (below) of Niagara Falls from the sky! The photo was taken by an 8th Grade cadet!

Service to our Community!

Our cadets just started supporting the weekly Buffalo Rotary Club Meetings at the Saturn Club. They help out with set-up, tear-down, and leading the Rotarians in the Pledge of Allegiance. They get to enjoy a nice lunch to boot!

Leadership & Character Development Education for all!

ALL of our students (regardless of their cadet status) study leadership and character development as a part of their daily academic schedule. The CAP Leadership course follows CAP’s learn to lead curriculum, which also includes individual mentorship.

Staring this enrollment season, all new BCA enrollees are automatically sign up as cadets, to ensure that all BCA graduates have at least 1 year of CAP under their belts before graduating. Student who become cadets can participate in CAP trips, Color Guard, and piloting aircraft.

Review Boards: Cadets have a chance to put their best foot forward!

Each time our cadets are eligible for promotion, they have a chance to sit down in front of a review board to answer questions and represent themselves proudly. The review board usually consist of members of our squadron (BCA staff) as well as other Civil Air Patrol Senior Members from other squadrons across Western New York.

Robotics: All BCA Students are loving their robotics sessions!

It is always exciting to see the CAP Room teaming with students constructing their robots with their classmates. These sessions are looked forward to by all students and  we always observe 100% engagement from start to finish.

Promotion and Awards: An opportunity to recognize our students outside of the classroom.

Our cadets have the chance to promote through the cadet ranks. They are also recognized for milestones and achievements related to specialized training, performing leadership roles, and attending special events.  We carry on traditions from the Air Force like awarding a Commander’s Coin for exemplary behavior/performance.

We also have created our very own tradition where students get to sign their names on the promotion wall to permanently and publicly mark their promotion. It is wonderful to see our students cheering on their classmates when they promote and sign!

Rocketry: Our cadets are loving their rocketry sessions!

This is another opportunity to have fun learning with cadets from all over Western New York. Our cadets have travelled to other WNY sites to build and launch their own rockets. They get to build new relationships and see their work soar through the skies.

Color Guard: From Sahlen Field to Highmark Stadium!

Our Color Guard has carried our nation’s colors at multiple venues across our city. In addition to marching in our city’s Juneteenth Parade; they have been to Sahlen Field, Highmark Stadium, Patriots and Heroes Park, Buffalo State University, and many more. They practice and train really hard to make the Varsity or Junior Varsity Teams.

CAMPING: Getting Out of Their Comfort Zones!

Our cadets have stepped out of their comfort zones plenty of times. For example, we participated in a Western New York Bivouac; an outside camping activity where cadets learned to live in their tents, survive in the wilderness, and help a person suffering from a medical emergency. They also had a chance to meet cadets from all over WNY!

Formal Events: Time to dress up!

Our cadets also get to attend annual events such as Military Balls, Military Dinning Ins, and Conferences. They get to meet cadets and Senior Members from across the State and they get to practice their formal dining etiquette.