Awww, you made me smile with that last sentence...
I am in NY but I have no clue what BOCES is, though I've heard of it. I might be asking the wrong person but doesn't Sea Cadets offer aviation? I could consider BOCES, if I knew what it was
Aspiring aviator in 8th grade - Introduction
- Thread starter OZZY
- Start date
I am in NY but I have no clue what BOCES is, though I've heard of it. I might be asking the wrong person but doesn't Sea Cadets offer aviation? I could consider BOCES, if I knew what it was
Wow, thanks!! I think 13 is a good age to join, when did you join? SC sounds really great, I will look forward to joining. How do you think Sea Cadets prepared you for the service academies? And when is a good time to join? The spring, summer, Christmas, whatever... Is right now in March or April okay or should I just join as soon as possible?
UHBlackhawk
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BOCES stands for Board Of Coopertive Education Services. It is job training skills education in NY.
Google BOCES aviation and see if there is a program near you. You can do some of this as a high school class. Even if you only do some ground and take an FAA written it helps.
Also, check out the SSA (Soaring Society of America), to see if there is a soaring club near you. Often these clubs have junior memberships. The fees are nominal and you "earn" your glider time by volunteering with the club. You hang out, do chores around the glider port, and get to hop rides with instructors from time to time. Some have it, some don't.
Finally, the Sea Cadets can be a good program. Many of the things you learn there are applicable to aviation.
Good luck to you. My wife was an aviator. I have been a military and civilian instructor. My best students in both military and civilian were females.
Google BOCES aviation and see if there is a program near you. You can do some of this as a high school class. Even if you only do some ground and take an FAA written it helps.
Also, check out the SSA (Soaring Society of America), to see if there is a soaring club near you. Often these clubs have junior memberships. The fees are nominal and you "earn" your glider time by volunteering with the club. You hang out, do chores around the glider port, and get to hop rides with instructors from time to time. Some have it, some don't.
Finally, the Sea Cadets can be a good program. Many of the things you learn there are applicable to aviation.
Good luck to you. My wife was an aviator. I have been a military and civilian instructor. My best students in both military and civilian were females.
EOD/SEALmom
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My kids are in Sea Cadets and they love it! One has graduated and is now at VMI with a Marine ROTC scholarship, they other two kids are still in the program. You are a perfect age to join and you will have plenty of time for advanced trainings.
I would suggest you contact your local battalion now and begin the process of joining. If you begin soon you may be able to go to recruit training this summer.
I would suggest you contact your local battalion now and begin the process of joining. If you begin soon you may be able to go to recruit training this summer.
NotCollege
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+1 EOD/SEAL mom right now is the perfect time to join.
As for preparing me for the service academies I think there are a few big things.
- I am used to doing and training for PT tests
- Military Bearing
- Having been through Recruit Training and knowing what it is like to be yelled at will help
- Forming a sense of humor where I can have a good attitude about absolutely anything
-LEADERSHIP!!!!
As for preparing me for the service academies I think there are a few big things.
- I am used to doing and training for PT tests
- Military Bearing
- Having been through Recruit Training and knowing what it is like to be yelled at will help
- Forming a sense of humor where I can have a good attitude about absolutely anything
-LEADERSHIP!!!!
Awww, you made me smile with that last sentence...
I am in NY but I have no clue what BOCES is, though I've heard of it. I might be asking the wrong person but doesn't Sea Cadets offer aviation? I could consider BOCES, if I knew what it was
Each County (or group of counties) in NY have a Board of Cooperative Educational Services. High Schoolers may attend their programs during the day. Each BOCES offers different programs (culinary, engineering, aviation, education, etc) that you could attend 1/2 day while you are in your High School the other 1/2 day.
The BOCES near me has an aviation program...as another poster said, just google BOCES and you will find the one associated with your school district. One of the many benefits of this type of program is that your school pays to send you!
Good luck!
seacadetmum
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If it hadn't been for Sea Cadets I wouldn't be on this site. My daughter was not the strongest student and being our youngest was never given opportunities to "lead". She has been in a year and has advanced to PO3 in League Cadets. She will promote out to Sea Cadets in September. Her maturity has grown immensely. Last summer when she got Honor Cadet at her training I actually looked around like "my kid? Really?" Every morning at PT she would run her mile and then go back to run with her fellow Cadets. She told an instructor that "nobody gets left behind".
All this to say, she wouldn't be a leader if it wasn't for this organization. The best way to get involved is to put in an interest form on the Sea Cadets website, it will route to the nearest recruiting instructor that will email you info on next drill and what to wear.
All this to say, she wouldn't be a leader if it wasn't for this organization. The best way to get involved is to put in an interest form on the Sea Cadets website, it will route to the nearest recruiting instructor that will email you info on next drill and what to wear.
My recruiter told me of the biggest things that can make you a better candidate for anything in the armed forces is to be passionate. He told me that a drive to succeed that others would not have can help you do very well. So, I would say be passionate and stick to your passions and join clubs or get a job that works cohesively to make you a better applicant. Best of luck to you!
lyacswimmer
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I've been lurking on this forum for over a year now and made my account a few months ago, I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself now and become familiar with others on here.
I am a female in 8th grade and I've been wanting to attend the USNA since late 2015/early 2016. I know it's too early for me to apply, but I've been told it's good to start preparing early. I have visited the USNA and WP before and submitted my application for USNA Summer STEM last month. My grades are good (98.5 GPA last quarter) and I'm in a couple of clubs at my school. I'm not in the best physical shape—the tennis team is the only sports team I'm on—but I'm working on improving that. Sometime this year I'll apply for the Sea Cadets. I am very passionate about science and aviation and space are my two biggest interests. I've wanted to become a pilot since elementary school. My other interests include math, history, photography, art, and music. I live in New York.
I look forward to meeting other members on this forum!
Also, any advice would be greatly appreciated. What are some other things I could do as someone my age?
First of all, it's very cool that you already have a goal and are planning how to get there! I have wanted to go to the USCGA since my 8th grade year, and having that goal has really motivated me throughout high school. Be careful, time flies by! It seems like yesterday that I first discovered the academy, and 4 years later I'm suddenly here applying for the summer program. The first thing you should do is KEEP YOUR GRADES UP. This is one of the most important things to do. Also, when you get into high school, challenge yourself with your classes as much as possible. 2-4 AP classes per year is not unmanageable. I would also recommend pursuing a sport seriously, athletic recruitments can be really helpful to say the least. And last of all, make sure you have a lot of extracurriculars, leadership roles/conferences, community service hours etc. good luck!
Yeah, I'm taking three honors classes next year--I will take the hardest courses that are available to me when I'm in HS. I really really regret not choosing the accelerated courses that were offered to me as a 6th grader--that was only a year before I discovered Navy and I didn't have any goals, I thought those accelerated classes were unnecessary stress and took the easy way out. I seem to be pretty good in all my subjects and hopefully will maintain my grades in HS. I talked to my guidance counselor and summer school for Algebra and Earth Science is not available so that bad choice will stick with me throughout high school. I also need to improve on my athletics too. Good luck with USCGA, and thank you for your advice. I appreciate it.
lyacswimmer
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Yeah, I'm taking three honors classes next year--I will take the hardest courses that are available to me when I'm in HS. I really really regret not choosing the accelerated courses that were offered to me as a 6th grader--that was only a year before I discovered Navy and I didn't have any goals, I thought those accelerated classes were unnecessary stress and took the easy way out. I seem to be pretty good in all my subjects and hopefully will maintain my grades in HS. I talked to my guidance counselor and summer school for Algebra and Earth Science is not available so that bad choice will stick with me throughout high school. I also need to improve on my athletics too. Good luck with USCGA, and thank you for your advice. I appreciate it.
Sounds like you're well on your way! If you start now the physical training part will be much easier than if you wait until you're almost there. I know the PFE for the CGA is push-ups, sit-ups, 1.5 mile run, and I'd imagine the USNA's is similar. There are some great free programs online to increase the number of push-ups and sit ups you can do, but for the run its really just practice.
Can't do a single pushup before getting tired. I should probably work on that
I'm joining the track team and I'm trying to get in better shape. I'm applying for Sea Cadets as well. Good thing I can work on my weaknesses while I have the time.
seacadetmum
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@OZZY
Check and see if your high school will allow you to "double up" on math or science one year. My daughter is in all PreAP except for math, for the same reason you're not. Due to her not taking the accelerated math in 7th grade, it put her a class behind. After talking to her guidance counselor we found out there are 2 math classes she can take concurrently her junior year which allows her to take Calculus her senior year. It will not be fun but she knows it's the price she must pay if she wants to go to an SA. I did have a BGO tell me that USNA doesn't require Calc but when every applicant is taking it...it might as well be.
Sea Cadets will help A LOT with the PFT, you have to pass one at least once a year to be able to attend advanced training.
Check and see if your high school will allow you to "double up" on math or science one year. My daughter is in all PreAP except for math, for the same reason you're not. Due to her not taking the accelerated math in 7th grade, it put her a class behind. After talking to her guidance counselor we found out there are 2 math classes she can take concurrently her junior year which allows her to take Calculus her senior year. It will not be fun but she knows it's the price she must pay if she wants to go to an SA. I did have a BGO tell me that USNA doesn't require Calc but when every applicant is taking it...it might as well be.
Sea Cadets will help A LOT with the PFT, you have to pass one at least once a year to be able to attend advanced training.
When I talked to my guidance counselor he didn't mention doubling up on courses. He assured me (like other adults I've talked to) that those two courses would not make that big of an impact, but nobody really knows I want to attend a SA and I'm trying to take the hardest courses possible.
Right now a former teacher is being kind enough to help me with this and is talking with my counselor. He had told me that summer school was for kids to catch up with their classmates and learn whatever they need to learn before starting the next school year and that full courses (Algebra and Earth Science for me) were not offered. He said that if I wanted to take those classes I would have to go to a local college and pay to learn and complete the course over the summer. I wouldn't go that far, so I thought I was screwed and have to deal with it. Just today my teacher told me she talked to my counselor and asked about online courses and if I could take them. He is looking into it right now, and I would most likely take the online courses if they are available.
Yikes... who knew a stupid mistake could end up being so costly? But then again the route to a SA isn't easy. I have been assured that I could get into honors Geometry if I do good in Algebra next year and that it'll be okay in the end, but I'm not sure about that.
Also, I attended a SC orientation meeting around two weeks ago and will be shadowing next month. After submitting the cadet application, how long does it take to start recruit training? Is there anything that I should maybe know about SC before joining? Thank you, @seacadetmum.
Right now a former teacher is being kind enough to help me with this and is talking with my counselor. He had told me that summer school was for kids to catch up with their classmates and learn whatever they need to learn before starting the next school year and that full courses (Algebra and Earth Science for me) were not offered. He said that if I wanted to take those classes I would have to go to a local college and pay to learn and complete the course over the summer. I wouldn't go that far, so I thought I was screwed and have to deal with it. Just today my teacher told me she talked to my counselor and asked about online courses and if I could take them. He is looking into it right now, and I would most likely take the online courses if they are available.
Yikes... who knew a stupid mistake could end up being so costly? But then again the route to a SA isn't easy. I have been assured that I could get into honors Geometry if I do good in Algebra next year and that it'll be okay in the end, but I'm not sure about that.
Also, I attended a SC orientation meeting around two weeks ago and will be shadowing next month. After submitting the cadet application, how long does it take to start recruit training? Is there anything that I should maybe know about SC before joining? Thank you, @seacadetmum.
EOD/SEALmom
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@OZZY, you most likely will go to RT next summer. It might be possible for you to go this summer but it's pushing it and you'd still be in the X-ray phase (kind of like a trial period). X-ray is the first three months. Some units will send kids over winter break, but it's a shorter version of RT - and much colder!
The good news is that if you join the unit now and go to RT next summer, you will be far ahead of most recruits. You will already know how to march and keep your shoes shined and you will have already learned a lot. You will be in a good place to possibly win an award at RT!
The good news is that if you join the unit now and go to RT next summer, you will be far ahead of most recruits. You will already know how to march and keep your shoes shined and you will have already learned a lot. You will be in a good place to possibly win an award at RT!
I had sort of expected to go to RT this summer but I know hardly anything. What would be the downside of attending RT next summer? Sounds good if you look on the bright side but would this set me back in any way?
EOD/SEALmom
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It will be up to your unit when you go. If they prefer you wait until next summer, it won't set you back at all....you'd actually be better prepared. You have plenty of time to do advanced trainings throughout high school.
EOD/SEALmom
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And there really is no downside if you have to wait - besides the anticipation [emoji4]
seacadetmum
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The only downside is you won't be able to promote or attend other advanced training until you complete RT. This is really NOT a big deal considering most Sea Cadet ATs are for 14 years and up. My daughter is currently 13 and a League Cadet, technically she could have promoted to Sea Cadet the beginning of this year. Divisions have to have a certain amount of kids in the "training ship" (League Cadets). She decided after talking to her Instructor and CO that the best thing for her would be to wait until she turned 14 in September and either do RT in the winter at Great Lakes, or wait until our RT that we host in the summer.
That all being said, it is possible to push through INDOC (Xray) faster than 3 months. We get scored on the amount of kids that attend League Orientation (RT for the littles), RT, and Advanced Training...that score is part of our annual inspection. It is in every divisions best interest to get kids to AT. Mine started last March, graduated Indoc in June, and attended League Orientation (my avatar is graduation day with her Cadet Instructor) in July.
All in all it's not that big of a deal. You are probably just old enough to be in SC, there are plenty of opportunities to get ribbons and to promote if you stay on your coursework. Did they give you your BMR? Get it done as soon as possible, turn it in next drill or email it to your instructor in charge of coursework and testing. He/She will send you a link to test at home...you could have that done by next drill. Work on getting the uniform pieces your responsible for (like boots).
The pieces you most likely need for graduation are:
1. BMR complete and pass the test
2. Uniform inspection
3. Pass the PT test (this may differ at your division, we have 2 Marine instructors that require the kids to do this)
Sorry if this is a lot of information, I am an Instructor so if you have any questions just let me know!
@seacadetmum Your reply was greatly appreciated. I'm still learning more about SC so any information is great.
My division has space for only 12 cadets left (some of which have been filled already) so I am not guaranteed a spot. I've only attended an enrollment meeting/orientation and haven't even shadowed yet. Not sure what a BMR is, the only thing I received was a cadet application. If there was JROTC in my high school I'd join in a heartbeat, but they don't offer it. If I can recall correctly, JROTC is officer oriented and SC is enlisted oriented. My ultimate goal is to become an officer, but I'm still grateful I have the opportunity to join SC.
What kind of commitments do you have to make? How will being a Sea Cadet impact your personal life? I know some trainings are far away, so how often do you travel? My parents tell me not to worry about costs but I'm still concerned--aside from the $405 enrollment fee, generally, how much money does it cost you? Say in a year. Sorry for all the questions, but as a Leaguer, what does your daughter do? Beside the trainings, what activities do you do during drills?
I can't thank you enough for taking the time to help me. My journey to Navy is just starting :-D
My division has space for only 12 cadets left (some of which have been filled already) so I am not guaranteed a spot. I've only attended an enrollment meeting/orientation and haven't even shadowed yet. Not sure what a BMR is, the only thing I received was a cadet application. If there was JROTC in my high school I'd join in a heartbeat, but they don't offer it. If I can recall correctly, JROTC is officer oriented and SC is enlisted oriented. My ultimate goal is to become an officer, but I'm still grateful I have the opportunity to join SC.
What kind of commitments do you have to make? How will being a Sea Cadet impact your personal life? I know some trainings are far away, so how often do you travel? My parents tell me not to worry about costs but I'm still concerned--aside from the $405 enrollment fee, generally, how much money does it cost you? Say in a year. Sorry for all the questions, but as a Leaguer, what does your daughter do? Beside the trainings, what activities do you do during drills?
I can't thank you enough for taking the time to help me. My journey to Navy is just starting :-D