Civil Air Patrol

Spirit Cadets Develop Their Team-Building Skills

By Capt. Mary A. Fox, CAP
Albuquerque Heights “Spirit” Composite Squadron

 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On June 29, 2017, the cadets and senior members of Albuquerque Heights “Spirit” Composite Squadron participated in a ninja-style obstacle course at the Ninja Force Gym in Albuquerque, owned and operated by ninja warrior competitor Josh Kronberg.

Cadet Senior Master Sgt. John Nichols, the squadron’s Basic Cadet Training instructor, organized the entire evening – known as Cadet Day – to help the squadron members challenge themselves and strengthen their team spirit.

Throughout the evening, the cadets consistently challenged themselves to step outside their comfort zones and to work together as a team. They slid down a two-inch diameter knotted rope from 20 feet above. They swung between loops, trying to remain in the air. By the end of the evening, the cadets were worn out, but their blistered hands were trophies of the memories that conquering the obstacle course provided.

The evening ended with a farewell party for Maj. Amanda Somerville, the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets, who is leaving the squadron to pursue other interests. Somerville, a vegan, was presented with a vegan chocolate cake in honor of her two years of service to the squadron.      The evening also marked Nichols’ 15th birthday, and he was presented with a separate cake in his honor. Since the cadets had been working out for two hours, both cakes were consumed in fairly short order.

The squadron decided that Nichols’ Cadet Day was an exciting and well-deserved opportunity for team-building, and fun for the entire squadron.

2017 Spirit Squadron Ninja Night 2

Above: The cadets and senior members of Albuquerque Heights “Spirit” Composite Squadron participate in their Cadet Day at Ninja Force Gym, under the tutelage of owner and operator Josh Kronberg (front row, center, kneeling). (Photo: Courtesy of Mr. Walter Barela)

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