The Civil Air Patrol North Dakota Wing is inviting the public to a series of open houses this month to showcase opportunities for youth and adults.

The events will highlight cadet programs for ages 12-18, volunteer opportunities for adults and free orientation flights in Civil Air Patrol aircraft. Educators, including teachers and homeschool parents, also can learn about the organization’s low-cost, unlimited STEM kit program.

The first open house will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Avflight, 2400 N. Broadway in Minot. An open house will be held at the Williston Armory, 10 Main St., Williston, on Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon-4 p.m. Additional events will be held in Bismarck and Dickinson.

Civil Air Patrol’s role in North Dakota extends far beyond youth education. During the state’s historic 2024 wildfire season, the North Dakota Wing assisted state and local responders with aerial damage assessment flights, providing crucial data at a fraction of the cost of similar missions. Volunteers also support search and rescue, cadet flight training and emergency response missions across the state, according to CAP ND.

The North Dakota Wing 2024 included 215 adult members and 118 cadets, operating 11 squadrons statewide with seven aircraft, one glider and 11 vehicles. CAP ND reported, in fiscal year 2024, members flew more than 1,000 hours, conducted three search and rescue missions and provided 125 orientation flights for cadets. The value of the wing’s volunteer service in North Dakota last year was estimated at more than $1.4 million.