camps

about cadet camps

Summer camps are some of the best opportunities available in the Air Cadet program. In early January each year cadets wishing to attend summer camps will be asked for their course preferences. Preferences are for course type only, not course dates. Requests are submitted to the Regional Cadet Support Unit who process the requests and generate detailed course offers for cadets. These course offers arrive at the squadron usually starting in March. Unfortunately, not all cadets will be offered a course initially. Cadets who receive an offer can accept or refuse the offer. Cadets who do not receive an initial offer or those who must refuse an offer may then be placed on a waiting list. Waiting list offers arrive at the squadron unpredictably and can be last minute.

Camp joining instructions with detailed packing lists and other camp information are generally provided in early June. All transportation arrangement are provided in detailed itineraries a few weeks before the camp start date. Return transportation arrangements are provided to parents by squadron staff approximately 1 week prior to the cadets return.

Course Levels

General Training

This two week course is intended for cadets 12 – 14 years of age who have completed their first year of cadet training. It introduces the cadet to life at a cadet training centre (CTC) with a focus on the opportunities available through Air Cadet Training. Activities include: team building, air rifle range, tours, recreational sports, swimming, general knowledge and citizenship. Cadets applying for this course should have successfully completed Level One training.

These three week courses are intended for cadets between 13-15 years of age, and have successfully completed Level Two. The courses provide cadets the opportunity to build on skills and knowledge learned at the Squadron within a particular area of interest. By establishing a dynamic learning environment that exposes the cadet to a variety of follower-ship, teamwork and leadership opportunities, this course will inspire the cadets to further pursue leadership training at the Squadron and on the Drill & Ceremonial Instructor course. Basic Courses include:

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Basic Drill and Ceremonial

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Basic Survival

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Basic Fitness and Sport

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Military Band – Basic Musician

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Basic Aviation

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Basic Aviation Technology & Aerospace

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Pipe Band – Basic Musician Course

Advanced and Instructor CourseS

The aim of these three and six week courses is to develop a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to perform the role instructor, mentor and team leader for activities conducted at the Squadron, during regionally directed activities and/or as a staff cadet at a CTC. The aim of these courses will be accomplished by providing dynamic and challenging training that includes ample opportunity for practical application. The cadets will learn theoretical and technical skills required to deliver training programs as specialist instructors. These courses will ensure that cadets are adequately prepared to face challenges at the Squadron and as Staff Cadets at the CTCs. Cadets applying for these courses should be 14–17 years of age, and have successfully completed Level Three. Courses include:

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Fitness and Sports Instructor Course

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Drill & Ceremonial Instructor Course

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Advanced Aviation (3 Week)

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Survival Instructor Course

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Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course

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Military Band – Intermediate Musician Course

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Military Band – Advanced Musician Course

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Pipe Band – Intermediate Musician

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Pipe Band – Advanced Musician

National and Scholarship Courses

These advanced training courses are available to a limited number of cadets through a competitive application process which includes a formal application, required examinations, and an interview. Course descriptions and application requirements are available using the links below. Accessing these outstanding training opportunities requires effort and forethought. Courses vary in length from 3 to 7 weeks. Cadets applying must have completed level three (higher for some courses). Some courses also have age requirements for application.

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International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) (Level-5, Age-17)

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Power Pilot Scholarship (PPS) (Level-4, Age-17)

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Glider Pilot Scholarship (GPS) (Level-3, Age-16)

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Advanced Aerospace Course (AASC) (Level-3)

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Advanced Aviation Technology Course – Airport Operations (AATC-AO)(Level-3)

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Advanced Aviation Technology Course – Aircraft Maintenance (AATC-AM) (Level-3)

staff cadet opportunities

Each year senior cadets are employed as staff at summer camps. These paid positions are open to cadets 16 year of age or older who have completed level 4 training. Staff cadets are generally employed from the end of June until mid to late August and are paid an Advanced Training Allocation of between $80 – $100 per day. These staff positions are an excellent opportunity to develop skills in leadership, instructional techniques, and management of resources.

“The Air Cadet League of Canada envisions the Royal Canadian Air Cadets as Canada’s premier and a world class youth development movement. Being attuned to societal changes, it strives diligently to be a totally dedicated, proactive and innovative partner to encourage and enhance the development of well adjusted, civic minded youth to undertake leadership roles in a great Canada and a better world.”

Air Cadet League of Canada

former air cadets say...

Royal Canadian Air Cadet alumni have gone on to some very prominent and exciting careers. Here are words from just a few:

I dreamed of spaceflight. Watching the first humans leave our Earth to walk on another planet was a young boy’s dream, ignited. I thus clearly knew what I wanted to do, but had no idea how to get myself there. So I did some research. When I looked at what space explorers knew, I saw that they were aviators, engineers and test pilots. Growing up as a farm boy that looked great to me, but I needed to learn how airplanes worked, and how to fly. The Milton 820 RCAC Squadron had recently formed, so I joined and grew up with them from 1973-1977. The lessons I learned there I still draw upon daily: self-discipline, teamwork, technical competence, flying, and leadership. To be able to command the International Space Station in 2012/13, I know full well that it was the Air Cadet experience that allowed me to fly so high. Per Ardua ad Astra! (820 Chris Hadfield Squadron 1973-1977)

Col Chris Hadfield – Canadian Space Agency (First Canadian to walk in space)

Being part of 630 Beauport Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets as a teenager, provided me an excellent foundation for my career in aviation and with the Canadian Forces. I had the chance to be initiated to flying, learn about leadership, discipline, and aviation. Taking part in the various activities and participating in the summer camps gave me the opportunity to develop skills and personality traits that are required and used everyday in my present career: interpersonal skills, public speaking, reliability, discipline, and assertiveness. I was positively influenced by the friends I made and the mentors I had early on with the Air Cadets. The six years I spent with the organization certainly gave me the tools to attack life head on and work hard. (630 Beauport Squadron 1984-1990)

LCol Maryse Carmichael – Commanding Officer: Canadian Forces Snowbirds

The Air Cadet program played a significant role in the achievement of my life’s goals and dreams. As a young boy I had a passion to fly and an interest in the military. Thus, it seemed a natural fit that I should join 614 RCAC Squadron in London Ontario at the age of 12. My time spent with Air Cadets was nothing short of tremendous. It was filled with many challenges and fantastic rewards, and its focus was much broader than the flying and military experience I expected. The program has something to offer for all of Canada’s youth. The highlights for me were the flying scholarships and the friendships. It would be many years later, upon further reflection, that I would truly come to realize the full extent of what the program had given to me. The leadership experiences and the challenge of flying had given me a boost of self-confidence and the courage to set an ambitious course for my life. I’ve never looked back. There are few certainties in life, but one thing I am absolutely certain of is that I would not be where I am today, were it not for the Air Cadet program. For that, I am most grateful. I take a piece of the Air Cadet program with me everywhere I go, and I look forward to taking it to space one day in the future! (614 Forest City Squadron 1988-1994)

Maj Jeremy Hansen – Canadian Space Agency

From a very early age, I had a strong interest in flying and learning everything I could about aviation. In 1984, with my family’s encouragement, I joined 132 Spitfire Squadron in Brampton and spent six excellent years as a cadet, followed by five years as an officer. I fondly remember all the camping trips, tours, summer camps, and parade nights that taught me the self discipline, leadership, and teamwork that have been vital to my success as an airline pilot and professor. I had so much fun learning the skills that I would eventually use every day in my career. I had no idea at the time how much my time with the Air Cadets would shape my future. I owe the Air Cadets a debt of gratitude because of all the opportunities I received: Summer camps where I learned to fly; an international exchange to Germany where I experienced a different culture; and the leadership skills that comes with progressing up the ranks as a cadet, to name a few. Most importantly, though, I think about the strong bonds and friendships that I formed. These memories and experiences will stay with me forever, and I encourage all young people to take advantage of all that Air Cadets has to offer. (132 Spitfire Squadron 1984-1990)

Gary Anderson, Air Canada Pilot/Flight Instructor and Professor – Seneca College Aviation Program

“The cadets played an important role in my life. When I joined 51 Air Cadet Squadron in Ottawa, and then 783 Air Cadet Squadron in Montreal, I had no idea how the adventure and experience would influence my career. I quickly realized the value of the activities and diverse programs that were offered. During the course of the six years that I spent as a cadet, their programs provided me with decision-making skills that I still use today. Moreover, the guidance and advice I received from mentors helped me develop my leadership skills and their influence guided me to structure my education with clear professional goals. In addition, the constant challenges that were placed in front of me prepared me for my future. But above all, it is as a cadet that I discovered the fascinating world of aviation for which I developed a profound passion that still drives me today.”

Marc Parent, President and CEO of CAE

PARADE NIGHTS

WEDNESDAYS @ WEST SECHELT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

5609 Mason Road, Sechelt, BC

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

 

Contact

Email

ssc858skookumchuk@gmail.com

Mail

PO Box 858
Gibsons, BC
V0N 1V0