Keeping good communications with parents is very important to us and we are happy for you to be part of the process. Do you have some free time to help out? If so, you can talk to the squadron staff about helping out informally at squadron events where parents frequently contribute their time and effort.
Want to help?
As well as the obvious military element, there is also an allied civilian structure that effectively acts as the backbone of the organisation. Civilian Committees determine the running of the ATC from squadron level through to representation on the Air Defence Council. Each squadron has one, comprised of parents and friends, its role being to assist the squadron’s Commanding Officer, raise funds and ensure the squadron maintains direction.
As you can imagine, fundraising is a very important aspect as it supports many of our activities. Most camps and other adventurous pursuits are financed through this fundraising and it’s these efforts which help keep the cost of Air Cadet membership incredibly low. The Air Cadets is also a registered charity, we receive funding for only an very small amount of activities the squadron undertakes, so we are always looking for great fundraising opportunities.
Many parents and friends get a great deal of enjoyment and fun out of assisting ‘their’ squadrons as members of the Civilian Committee. Committees meet to their own timetable, usually once-a-month, under the direction of a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Most squadron Civilian Committees will be very pleased to accept offers of extra help – even if you can’t commit to regular or long term assistance.
The committee sometimes gets involved in a range of activities to assist in fund raising and cadet recruitment. For example the very successful Christmas parties and presentation evenings that are held for the cadets and their parents – Squadron funds are a constant issue!
The committee is always looking for new people to join and if you’re son/daughter is in the squadron they need your help!