Parents

Get Involved

SAFETY

Safety is our top priority. All of our volunteers must undergo a background check before becoming a member of our officer corps, and cadets are under adult supervision during training events. Safety briefings are also included in our training curriculum.

TIME COMMITMENT

Our training program should not interfere with your cadet's schoolwork. Cadet units typically meet only one night per week or one weekend per month during the school year. Normally, training away from home is conducted only during school vacation periods. You may actually find that your son or daughter takes a more serious approach to his or her schoolwork due to the discipline and emphasis on excellence that this program instills in its cadets. Cadets are also required to be full-time students to enroll in the program.

COST

We work hard to keep enrollment fees and program costs down in an effort to be accessible to anyone who may want to join us.

Our annual enrollment fees are $99/year per each NSCC/NLCC cadet and $49/year per officer/midshipman/instructor. Some units may also charge an additional administrative fee. The Golden Bear Division charges $225 the initial year to offset uniform costs, then $125 each renewal year.

Training deposits vary by the duration of the event, but typically cost about $250/week, $300 for a 8- to 9-day event and $350 for longer events. The training deposit covers instruction, room, meals, and materials.

INCLUSION

We strongly believe in the positive impact that our program has on our nation, our sea services and our youth so it is important to us that we are accessible to anyone who wants to join us regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic or geographic background or physical disability. We are ADA-compliant.

Promoting a culture of inclusion across our diverse cadet corps is something we take very seriously, and we have a zero tolerance policy for hazing and bullying.

Get involved. Parents make fantastic volunteers! In fact, many of our volunteers start off as cadet parents and get more involved as their enthusiasm for the program grows.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The NSCC/NLCC affords equal opportunity for participation to all young Americans regardless of race, color, religion or gender. To qualify for our senior program, the NSCC, the prospective cadet must be between 13 and 17 years of age. Youth ages 10-13 can apply for to our junior program, the NLCC. The prospective cadet must be unmarried and a fulltime student in good academic standing and of good moral character. Eligibility requirements are found in the USNSCC Regulations.

A medical examination similar to a high school sports physical is required for all cadet applicants to the NSCC or NLCC. No one will be denied admission to the NSCC/NLCC due to a medical disability. Where a medical condition precludes full, unlimited participation, a Request for Accommodation may be presented by the parent or guardian for review so the cadet may participate in NSCC activities to the maximum extent possible.

In addition to having an interest in the program, all prospective cadets must have parental consent and must be prepared to attend drills regularly in order to enroll. Cadets need to be ready to have fun and be willing to learn new things.

While not a prerequisite for enrollment, cadets will find that physical fitness is a key element of success in the NSCC/NLCC program, and that their continued enrollment and advancement will depend on their ability to pass fitness tests. Our program uses a U.S. Navy based physical fitness program, which includes planks, push-ups, and a timed one mile run. Tests are given at least twice per year, and passing scores are required to attend and graduate from Recruit Training as well as for advancement in rate.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a nationwide organization dedicated to helping American youth realize personal success and achievement through a nautically oriented training program. There are around 400 Sea Cadet units in the United States, with units in nearly every state, as well as Puerto Rico and Guam. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is also a participating member of the International Sea Cadet Association (ISCA), which provides opportunities for cadets to take part in training activities abroad.

Through Sea Cadet leadership, your son or daughter will learn skills in basic seamanship and its naval adaptations, while also learning the values of patriotism, courage, self-reliance, teamwork, and accountability.

Membership in the NSCC allows youth to sample military life with no obligation to join any branch of the armed forces. Should cadets decide to enlist in the Navy or Coast Guard, their training may allow them entry at an advanced pay grade. Historically, a number of Sea Cadets have received scholarships and appointments to military academies.

PARENTAL SUPPORT

Parents need to keep in mind that if their son or daughter decides to join either the NSCC or NLCC, they will play an important role in assuring their child’s success as a cadet. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a non-profit, volunteer organization that relies heavily on parents to support the efforts of volunteer officers and instructors working with their children. With this in mind, parents should:

Encourage their child to be respectful of officers and adult volunteers.
Praise their child for his or her accomplishments.
Remind their child to listen to and obey instructions.
Be punctual in dropping off and picking up their child from USNSCC functions.

Parents who are interested in volunteering with unit activities and responsibilities are encouraged to read the section on Volunteer Opportunities.

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