Cadets take summer camp to B.C. communities

Cadets in Victoria learned about the challenges of injured Canadian Armed Forces members by participating in some Invictus Games paralympic sports. Photo by Capt Tim Townley

Cadets in Victoria learned about the challenges of injured Canadian Armed Forces members by participating in some Invictus Games paralympic sports. Photo by Capt Tim Townley


Capt Melodie Fallah and Capt Tim Townley

Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific)
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Resilience is all about adapting to changing circumstances and that’s exactly what the Cadet Program did this summer in the delivery of its summer training.

All across B.C. cadets gathered at Cadet Activity Programs (CAP) site locations to experience in-person training, many for the first time since the pandemic began last year. 

Usually cadets in B.C. attend summer training at one of our four Cadet Training Centres in Vernon, Albert Head, Comox, and HMCS Quadra. With health restrictions in place over the past two summers, the Cadet Program adapted first to a virtual training program and then to CAP, maximizing the use of DND and community facilities across the province.

Offering a variety of activities close to home meant more cadets could participate overall, and more staff were able to support the program. Senior cadets had the added benefit of leadership opportunities without giving up weekend jobs or other summer activities.

CAP offered a one-week basic course in the form of day-camps, as well as junior and senior levels of marksmanship, fitness and sports, and drill and leadership.

Courses were one to two weeks long and each CAP site operated for one to six weeks depending on the population density at each location. Cadets were able to participate in more than one course, or both levels of a program. Over 820 cadets, 112 staff cadets, and 68 adult staff across British Columbia had the opportunity to return to in-person training.

For some cadets this was their first time experiencing in-person training and some of the unique aspects of the program such as learning drill and being able to shoot a Daisy Air Rifle. Feedback from first- and second-year cadets was very positive as they had the chance to meet new people within the program. 

“It was cool to be around friends again and learn some new things along the way. I would definitely recommend CAP to anyone thinking about doing it,” says Cadet Caden Chiu from 637 Arrow RCACS in Burnaby.

The Cadet Program continued to offer virtual training to thousands of cadets online throughout the summer, with courses ranging from ground school to cyber security, to music, to survival skills.

The Cadet Program demonstrates the Canadian Armed Forces’ commitment to strengthening Canadian communities by investing in youth. Cadets become self-sufficient leaders who make friends and contribute to their communities, experiences they can’t get anywhere else in a safe environment that promotes physical fitness and healthy living. 

Join Cadets!

It’s never been easier to join Cadets. A program for youth between the ages of 12 and19, the cadet program offers once in a lifetime opportunities that develop leadership, citizenship, and self-confidence.

Check out the new website and online registration tool at www.canada.ca/join-cadets and take the first steps to adventures you can’t get anywhere else.

From flying, sailing, to going on expeditions – your adventure starts here.

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