To the Editor:

Many parents today are seeking organizations or sports activities to boost their children's self-confidence. To make them believe in themselves and to teach them responsibility and winning. This is a noble pursuit. Unfortunately most of these organizations are more focused on not disappointing children and not losing their members. In sports everyone gets a trophy, in many organizations you can be rewarded even for the most trivial achievement. Although these awards do boost a child's ego they also teach them that they should be awarded for every action. We all know real life doesn't work like that.

What if I was to tell you that there is an organization that delivers on its promise of helping your children achieve their goals, to become self-reliant, and learn how to become leaders. The leadership skills, self-confidence, and discipline that young people gain through this organization will prepare them to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves in life. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is such an organization.

An auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP is a year-round program with weekly meetings plus additional activities on some weekends. CAP's Cadet Program is not a military or boarding school, but a youth development program that incorporates aerospace education, physical fitness, emergency services and military customs and courtesies.

For more information, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com for a squadron near you or stop by the Egypt Fire Company building 6:30 to 9 p.m. any Tuesday to visit the Lehigh Valley Composite Squadron 805. Contact Squadron commander Capt. Bob Sacco with questions at 610- 509-7358.

Rusana Kasriel

Whitehall Township