cadet retention

What do y'all do when you have visitors at a squadron meeting to make them feel at home and help them learn about the program? This is a vital part of the mentoring process, because it may affect whether or not the person joins.

We have a cadet assigned to "meet & greet" all of our new cadets. They then are given the opportunity to either watch or participate in our Training Program.

Then seniors are also another good tool to help make the parents feel comfortable and give another perspective. At our squadron, one of our seniors will normally sit down and talk to the parents and discuss the program from their perspective.

At my squadron, all the cadets greet the visitors right when they step through the door and make them feel welcome. We try to include them in everything possible. Parents that come, the senior members take to their hut, and talk to them about oppurtunities for THEM too.