ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual
The first booklet in the ALERT Cadet program is the Basic Training Manual (BTM). Completion of this booklet by both the father and the son is required for ALERT Cadet membership (Advancement). The BTM teaches skills and character related to our Covenant. Various activities and projects in the booklet focus on developing respect for authority, obedience, truthfulness, orderliness, and gratefulness.
The BTM can be completed in as little as two weeks. Some families take a slower approach and delve more deeply into the BTM topics. After both the father and son complete the Basic Training Manual, they may apply for Advancement. Experience tells us that failure to quickly complete the BTM causes families to lose the momentum required to take advantage of our generational discipleship toolbox.
ALERT Cadet Handbooks
The ALERT Cadet Handbooks have been developed by Headquarters staff with significant input and assistance from our members. Our desire in creating each Handbook is to provide fathers with simple, tested, and practical material which they can use to accomplish the ALERT Cadet vision to “assist fathers in turning their hearts to their sons and leading their sons into biblical manhood.” These Handbooks are written for both fathers and sons, and it is a great encouragement for sons to see their fathers make steady progress through them.
Each Handbook contains the following:
- Scripture Memory, approximately 120 verses, usually of an entire book of the Bible
- Scripture Meditation, beginning with learning personal spiritual disciplines and progressing to learning how to study, apply, and present biblical truth to others
- Character Qualities, with practical application projects
- Life Skills, which introduce practical skills many fathers wish to teach their sons
- Adventure Projects, to put newly-learned skills into practice
- Service Projects, in the home, church, and community, and
- Physical Training, to develop lifelong physical fitness habits.
The ALERT Cadet curriculum consists of the following Handbooks, each completable within one year:
- Novice Handbook – focusing on personal disciplines and the basis of what it means to be an ALERT Cadet
- Pilgrim Handbook – focusing on preparing a Christian salvation testimony and backpacking
- Craftsman Handbook – focusing on learning effective ways to share the Gospel and bicycling
- Servant Handbook – focusing on personal evangelism and leadership skills
Below you will find the “ALERT Cadet Handbooks Scope and Sequence,” which details the main components of each Handbook. You may find this useful in discussing the ALERT Cadet program with new members and in planning your devotions for your family and/or unit meetings. Additionally, you and your son(s) may be motivated to work hard when the ability to complete the Handbooks can be visualized.
Diligent and motivated fathers and sons should be able to complete each Phase in six to eight weeks and an entire Handbook in one year. Completion of a Phase in six weeks, with requisite good character, will earn an ALERT Cadet son or father the Good Conduct Award.
Each father should work with his son on projects, assign sections of the Phase to be completed, and check his completed work. While fathers are not required to complete the Handbooks, we rarely see steady progress by a son without his dad’s progress.
Each father has total discretion as to the pace at which he and his son(s) progress through the Handbooks, and the father makes the ultimate decision as to when his son has completed a requirement or project. In this wa a father may make adjustments to the materials to meet specific physical or mental challenges in his son’s life.
Scripture Memory – Bible Translation/Version
For earning the Handbook, Scripture Memory, and Swordsman Awards, any version/translation of the Bible may be selected by the father for memorizing. However, our ALERT Cadet Theme Verse (1 John 2:14) will continue to be in the King James Version, and memorization for a camp will be as determined by the Camp Commander.
Each father can hold his son accountable for Scripture memory, and each son can hold his father accountable. Fathers within a unit can encourage one another toward faithful memorization.
Journals
Journals serve as tangible records of God’s working in our lives. The ability to look back on specific answers to prayer, the lessons the Holy Spirit has taught, and how he has spoken to us greatly strengthens our faith and provides encouragement during times of struggle.
The act of writing requires men to take the time to clearly think through what God is teaching them. Fathers and sons are encouraged to develop the daily habit of Journaling. Quality and consistency are the goals, rather than quantity of words put to paper.
The process of keeping a journal requires the wise use of time, improves concentration, and develops good writing skills, all of which are essential for success in life and for good communication with those you will lead.
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