(1)
A cadet prepares to serve during the 2010 Minnesota Wing Lock-In and Volleyball Tournament.
(2)
The rock climb is always a popular event during lock-in.
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Col Tom Theis (far right), Minnesota Wing commander, with members of the North Hennepin Composite Squadron, winners of the volleyball competition.
Photos by Maj. Richard Sprouse
Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Information Officer
Group II
Minnesota Wing
MINNESOTA —The Lock-in and Volleyball Tournament hosted annually by the St. Cloud Composite Squadron and the Minnesota Wing has become a mainstay for members wanting a break from the long winter along with an opportunity to have fun with other families and friends from across the state.
The event, held March 6-7 at St. Cloud State University, drew nearly 250 people this year.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for Maj. Pat Cruze, St. Cloud squadron commander and one of the popular event’s organizers, to get out some valuable information to potential Civil Air Patrol members as well as thank all wing members for their efforts throughout the year.
"Wing members invite friends and family along, so it’s a great time to share a lot of good information about the opportunities CAP provides and do a little recruiting, as well as give them a taste of some of the fun events that occur during the year,” Cruze said.
"It’s also a great event to keep current cadet and senior members from across the state connected to what is going on in their squadrons," he said.
The event centers around the volleyball tournament earlier in the day, but lots of other fun activities take place during the overnight lock-in, such as swimming, movies, board games, dodge ball and basketball.
In addition, the state-of-the-art flight simulators provided by the university’s nationally recognized aviation department put cadets behind the controls of various aircraft.
While many people were having fun playing volleyball or participating in the many other activities, some were climbing the walls — literally.
"The rock climbing wall is a very popular event. Most people head straight for the wall as soon as they get here," Cruze said. “But we hear it every year: It’s all a blast.”
Plenty of pizza, sloppy joes, hot dogs, chips, beverages, and other assorted foods and treats were also available, thanks to the generous donations of numerous vendors in the St. Cloud area.
All in all, it was a great time and good, clean family fun for everyone who attended. Many of those in attendances are already looking forward to next year's edition.
