Hayden Collins Civil Air Patrol Instructor

Hayden Collins joined the Rome chapter of the Optimist Club for their June meeting, to talk about Civil Air Patrol. Also speaking were several CAP cadets who described their experiences in the program as an opportunity to learn about themselves and about their abilities as leaders. In addition to his involvement with the Bartow CAP squadron, Hayden told the Optimists about his guiding role in CAP programs such as Encampment, an 8-day event at the wing level – which includes 38 squadrons and over 1,000 cadets statewide – with competition for distinctions such as honor flight and honor cadet. For the annual NCO academy program for elite CAP members, Hayden designed the curriculum and provided training for the instructors, and he also serves as an example of leadership traits during the week-long program.

Hayden applauds Optimists International in their mission to bring out the best in kids, and was happy to share some of his experiences of working with teens in Civil Air Patrol and seeing the positive results of their participation.