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Throughout each cycle, TCP  incorporates as many fun and exciting events for the cadets to do as possible. These events are incorporated to teach the cadets teamwork, trusting one another, and building their own self-confidence while simultaneously having fun. It is a way of rewarding the cadets for all of their hard work and discipline throughout the rigorous events and environment of the cycle,  establishing a sort of “work hard, play hard” mentality. This month the cadets have a lot of fun ahead of them.

At the beginning of the month the cadets will be visiting a camp where they will be able to unwind and partake in several different fun activities. A ropes course, road march, rappelling course, sports, paintball, and team-building games and exercises are all scheduled for the cadets on their visit. The change of environment along with all of the fun events gives the cadets a chance to relax and build camaraderie amongst each other without the stressors of being on post. Then to end the month with learning behavioral etiquette in a formal setting.

The cadets are going to challenge their personal development and team building activity with a rope course which consists of high and/or low elements. Rappelling is a controlled descent off a vertical drop, such as a rock face, using a rope, so they will learn how to properly descend from an obstacle to keep themselves and others safe as they get to the bottom. The road march will teach cadets to be organized, uniformed, steady and rhythmic in walking as a unit, team and organization while simultaneously enjoying their surroundings with nature. Cadets will also be participating in sporting events which not only increases their individual skill and physical fitness, but also their ability to work as a team. Paintball is also a highly anticipated event where cadets will have the ability to practice team building and team tactics while having lots of fun.

The final event that cadets will be participating in is one that helps them learn etiquette, service, and personal relations. It will be a two-day event where they will learn how to prepare and serve in a dining atmosphere with real life scenarios. Cadets will learn how to greet guests, set the table, and how to serve their guests. The true meaning of etiquette is always to show respect and kindness to everyone and all living things around you, including people, animals and the environment. The cadets will learn the importance of showing positive body language, common courtesies such as saying “please”, “Thank you” and “Excuse me,” and how to escort their partner or guest to the table and seat them properly.  They will learn basic culinary skills such as the correct way to hold cutlery and what purpose of each cutlery is, how to properly use a napkin to wipe their mouth, and even the correct order of a three course meal from the appetizer to the dessert.

The activities this month have been implemented to make sure the cadets are in an environment where they can have fun both individually and as a company, while simultaneously learning lessons and characteristics that will be valuable to them in their lives. The goal is to teach all of the cadets assets that they can implement towards success while at Thunderbird Challenge Program and beyond.