I'm very much with cynical as far as youth groups goes....to a point.
Both the AAFC and AAL are of a higher disclipinary standard than most kids are used to.
The biggest benefit an individual can get out of either of these organisations is self dicipline, i.e task setting, achieving goals and working as a team.
Some will claim the same of scouts, but experience has shown me that this is a somewhat dubious claim.
I served 20 years in the AAL, 11 as an officer, so I have some idea on whats on offer.
A cadet unit, is merely a tool to fuel the fire of desire.
At 12 this could be a fad....
Its a balance of feeding the interest and watching to see if it continues or the kid moves on.
Being part of a cadet unit will fuel the interest for sure.
You are in melbournes outer east. Yarra Valley Flight Training accomodate younger students to keep the interest alive until they can begin full on flight training, and often have a student awaiting their birthday for the first solo flight.
Good Luck
Jas