"Boy Scouts with airplanes" is how Lt. Bob Sacco describes the cadets of the Lehigh Valley Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

The Cadets, aged 12-20 years old, are part of a U.S. Air Force auxiliary. They hosted an open house Oct. 16 at their headquarters at the Egypt Fire Company.

The youth demonstrated their marching skills and a search and rescue, using a stokes basket. They fielded questions from guests and spoke of the program's hands-on activities. Survival training, disaster relief, first aid and CPR are just a few of the experiences it offers. The overall favorite is, without a doubt, the flight training, the cadets said.

Each cadet is given opportunities at no cost for orientation flights, both powered and glider, in which they handle the controls. Advanced cadets can also pursue reasonably-priced formal training at flight academies.

Cadet Senior Master Samuel McMaster has made several solo flights, which earned him special recognition. McMaster, a Northampton Area High School senior, was introduced to the organization through his brothers, who were also cadets. He intends to enlist in the Air Force or the Army in order to fly helicopters.

Chief Master Sergeant Dominic Six, a home-schooled resident of Northampton, is determined to become a medic in the Army. His brothers also introduced him to the Civil Air Patrol.

Six recalled the fun he had at Fort Indiantown encampment, where he enjoyed a boot-camp like experience, "getting yelled at all week."

He also noted that participants do not have to have an interest in pursuing a military career to benefit from the self-paced program.

"It helps prepare for any leadership position, looks good on a résumé and may help get you a job," he said.

Gabi Masone just joined the organization and is enthusiastic about the entire strategy of the Civil Air Patrol. A freshman at Whitehall Hall School, she is eagerly anticipating enlisting in the Air Force Academy.

Her involvement "happened by chance" when her father noticed a sign on a highway.

Masone, along with others in the squadron, are becoming self-confident and self-disciplined leaders as a result of participation, she said. They are developing character, honoring timeless values and are becoming responsible citizens.

The Lehigh Valley Squadron meets Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. at the Egypt fire hall. For membership information, visit www.cap.gov, or call Lt. Bob Sacco at 610-509-7358Hi.