Complicated story - will I be able to apply?

I have four kids 11, 12, 13 and 14. I just went through leadership programs for youth all over the spectrum including scouts. CAP impressed me the most by far. My daughter at 13 years old has flown in a Blackhawk, C-17, C-130, gliders and several small engine aircraft. She also completed boot camp, ranger school, and travels in color guard and shooting competitions. And CAP as of three years ago is now part of the military/Air Force now. We are attending and working an air show this Saturday and attending a Navy Seal brog 3 mile run event. My daughter also has a goal to attend an international exchange in Switzerland or New Zealand if she makes the rank of Captain/Amelia Earhart award. I can not imagine a better program for a leadership EC. It has exceeded all my expectations but I have heard it really does depend on your squadron-ours is amazing! MER 111th out of Charlotte-check us out on Facebook.
 
Hi! Wow, I see quite a discussion has developed. I really appreciate everybody’s perspectives. While I was very active in the local scouts movement in the country I used to live in (which is not affiliated with any international scouting organization as far as I know and is quite different when compared to Boy/Girls scouts in the US), there are no scouting organizations here to join.

JROTC is not an option here. Thanks for the info about Korea, but (unfortunately) I don't live there (would love to, someday).

I’m on the volleyball team. The system here doesn’t really allow you to join more than one after school activity. Out of school, I volunteer as an interpreter/translator at the consulate of the country I used to live in and play in a jazz ensemble. Other than that, I have no time for anything else (cram school’s to blame for that).

Again, thank you guys for all the advice!
 
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USAFAMOM21 said:
Patriot4Life: I am just curious. Are you referring to Boy Scouts or both Boys and Girl Scouts? Because if you are referring to the Boy Scouts Eagle ranking as the most respected EC that puts a lot of girls at a distinct disadvantage! Do the Girl Scouts have an equivalent? Thanks for the information!
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Absolutely! Just as prestigious to be a Gold Medal achiever!
 
And yes girls can also become an Eagle Scout. Younger girls can start Jan 2018. Older girls can start Jan 2019. However you can have your daughters start at 10.5 beginning Jan 2018 and start doing all the work through First Class Rank. There is not time limit from Scout to First Class. But because so many things to achieve usually takes 12-18 months to rank First Class. First class can be done in 12 months so have your daughters start working on the requirements and take the journey as soon as they turn 10.5! Through First Class Rank is mostly achieving technical skills and merit badges. Starting from First Class to Star Life and Eagle are mostly Demonstrating Leadership roles and more Merit Badges. You need 22 or 23 MBs. It used to be 21. About half are Eagle Required and the other half pick anything your heart desires. Most achieve 30-40 by the time the make Eagle.

If you're an older girl then you can start in Troop through First Class the. Switch to Venture Crew if the unit exists in your area. Crew of for older girls and boys 14-21. You can end up with both Eagle and Summit. But need to do 1 eagle and 1 summit project.

Good luck and enjoy the journey. It's really about the journey and growing through the program.
 
What a mess these scouts, boy & girl, have made of themselves. Just my opinion, but, good grief - what a tangly web they've got now. Just my opinion, of course, but - oh, well, I'm glad my kids are grown.

In any case, for you youth looking for leadership opportunities, they abound in almost every community. If yours doesn't have what you want or need, and time, distance, money, separates you from what you desire, get busy and start your own! A new chapter, a new division, a new troop, a new idea! Initiative is highly regarded and generally, well rewarded, both for Service Academies, and in life.
 
jeffinCharlotte said:
I have four kids 11, 12, 13 and 14. I just went through leadership programs for youth all over the spectrum including scouts. CAP impressed me the most by far. My daughter at 13 years old has flown in a Blackhawk, C-17, C-130, gliders and several small engine aircraft. She also completed boot camp, ranger school, and travels in color guard and shooting competitions. And CAP as of three years ago is now part of the military/Air Force now. We are attending and working an air show this Saturday and attending a Navy Seal brog 3 mile run event. My daughter also has a goal to attend an international exchange in Switzerland or New Zealand if she makes the rank of Captain/Amelia Earhart award. I can not imagine a better program for a leadership EC. It has exceeded all my expectations but I have heard it really does depend on your squadron-ours is amazing! MER 111th out of Charlotte-check us out on Facebook.
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Thank you for that comprehensive list of CAP activities! I would love to add that Emergency Services is offered through CAP. Through taking FEMA courses, CPR/1st Aid, ground team expeditions these cadets can become qualified to assist law enforcement or other government agencies with Search & Rescue operations.
 
Back to the OP’s post and the distinctions of living abroad: You won’t have many of the same programs, opportunities or support when it comes to extracurriculars. We saw that first-hand when we ourselves lived abroad.

What the academies ask is that you challenge yourself — and make an impact — with the most challenging programs available to you. Key words there are “available to you.” This goes for academics also.

And as an academy-admissions consultant told us, don’t use “I was busy with school” as an excuse or explanation for not being well-rounded and having an impact. The academies seek those who can handle full slates, deal with stressful situations and leave their (positive) mark.
 
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