parents

information for families

The Canadian Cadet Organization program offers a wide variety of opportunities for youth at the local, regional and national level. For parents and families, it can be difficult to stay informed of all the various programs, standards, and requirement. This page is intended to provide parents with information and links to references. Should you have any concerns or questions which are not adequately addressed with this information, please do not hesitate to contact the squadron staff or the sponsoring committee.

General

The cadet program is open to youth 12-18 (must have had their 12 birthday to participate and are “aged out” on their 19th birthday). The program is run as a partnership between the Department of National Defence and the Air Cadet League of Canada. Cadets progress through a 5 level local training curriculum involving leadership, physical fitness, aviation knowledge, aircrew survival, and community engagement. Cadets are offered the opportunity to attend summer camps ranging from 2 to 6 weeks in a variety of subjects. Senior cadets may have the opportunity to be employed as staff at summer camps.

Local Training

Cadets are expected to attend training evenings once a week (Wednesdays from 5:45pm – 8:30pm) as well as several weekend training events during the year. Typically, a minimum of 60% attendance is required to progress between training levels and to be eligible for promotions. Individuals with special circumstances which preclude them from attending regularly should discuss their concerns with the Squadron Commanding Officer as alternate arrangements may be possible.

Training nights are generally led by senior cadets under the supervision of adult staff and involve classroom instruction as well as practical skills development in support of the national training curriculum. Weekend activities include day long and overnight events, generally organized by senior cadets, which further enhance learning in aviation skills and knowledge, air crew survival, leadership and citizenship.

Proficiency Levels

Local training is organized into 5 proficiency levels. Cadets who attend and engage in local training usually complete a proficiency level each year and are awarded a badge to display on their uniform. As cadets work through the proficiency levels they are challenged with increasingly complex material and with additional leadership roles and responsibilities.

Promotion

The cadet program employs a rank structure to mark both achievement of local training levels and to indicate the level of leadership expected of them. There are 7 rank levels from Cadet to Warrant Officer First Class. Initial promotions are based on participation and attendance. As the rank levels increase, there is increased emphasis on demonstrated leadership ability and commitment. Promotions to the highest levels are weighted on the cadet’s achievements, leadership abilities and the needs of the squadron.

Attendance

It is required for a cadet to maintain a minimum 70% attendance for mandatory activities. Staff cadets are held to a higher standard and must maintain a minimum of an 80% attendance. Mandatory activities include Wednesday training nights and FTXs (field training exercises), and are necessary for a cadet to pass their level or be eligible for promotion to the next rank. Other activities and teams such as the band and drill team are optional, though cadets are encouraged to try out for as many as possible.

We understand that school is important to you and your cadet, and that sometimes it will have to come before cadet activities. That being said, participation in cadet activities can provide your cadet with many leadership and training opportunities not found in school. We encourage you to help your cadet balance between their school and cadet obligations.

Being a cadet takes hard work and effort, and your cadet may find themselves struggling at times. As a parent, it is important that you help your cadet persevere through any difficulties they may be having.

In the event your cadet cannot meet their attendance commitment for an activity, it is vital that they communicate this as soon as possible to the Commanding Officer by texting him at the main Squadron phone number: (604) 740-2317

Uniforms

Uniforms are loaned to cadets free of charge. Cadets and their parents are responsible to ensure the uniforms are maintained in good repair and are returned to the squadron on termination of the cadet’s membership. Uniform parts will be exchanged or replaced due to changes in sizing or normal wear and tear. Cadets who lose or damage uniform items through negligence may be required to reimburse the squadron for the cost of the item.

Supervision and Safety

The well-being of the cadets and all other personnel associated with the Cadet Program is of primary concern in the execution of all training and administrative tasks.

Supervision

All cadet activities are carried out under the supervision of a Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer or a Civilian Instructor. Supervisor-to-cadet ratios and supervisor gender requirements are specified and enforced for the type and nature of the activities undertaken

Adult Screening

See our Screening page.

Summer Camps

Cadets may apply for (but are not assured of) the opportunity to participate in summer camps. Cadets will submit their requests for camps through the chain of command in early January each year. Cadets are offered a first/second/third choice of the type of camp but are not offered choice of dates. Offers arrive at the unit between March and April and are provided to the cadet. In consultation with their families, cadets either accept or refuse the offers. Cadets may ask to be placed on a waiting list for an alternate camp if they do not receive or decide not to accept their offer. Some cadets may not be offered a camp initially but will remain on the waiting list. Squadron staff will actively pursue opportunities for those on waiting lists. Waiting lists may be offed camps at short notice at any time during the summer.

Camps are offered free of charge. Cadets are provided with everything they require including return transportation from the local drop off point (Langdale Ferry Terminal).

Senior cadets may choose to apply for camp staff positions. These positions are paid employment and generally last the entire summer. Staff positions are an excellent opportunity to build work and leadership experience in a enjoyable environment. Senior cadets may also choose to apply for national camps. National Camp selection is very competitive and require the cadets to complete a formal application (Cover letter, resume) and attend a selection board.

School Credit

The BC Ministry of Education has approved certain Air Cadet activities as External Youth Development Courses eligible for up to 4 graduation credits in each of grades 10, 11, and 12. The BC Ministry of Education awards these credits based on their current requirements. Up-to-date information can be obtained on their website here.

STAYING INFORMED

While the responsibility lies on the cadet to stay informed about squadron events and training activities, parents should also be keeping up to date.

858 Skookumchuk Squadron works hard to communicate information to cadets and families in a timely, meaningful and effective manner. Effort has been made to accommodate a variety of communication preferences. Cadets are expected to seek out information and ensure they are regularly checking for communications. Parents are asked to encourage their cadets to take responsibility for communications.

Communications Methods employed by 858:

• Team Snap – Team Snap is a commercial app which is used for a variety of purposes including contact list management, group email drafting, availability tracking, and a file repository. It is our primary means of communication with Cadets and families. On joining 858 Skookumchuk, members will be sent an invitation to create a free account with Team Snap. Creating an account allows you to update your contact information, view other members’ contact information, see up to date schedules, access prior communications and files, view weekly training activities such as regular training nights and events, as well as any other events such as tagging or parades. Cadets and parents can download the TeamSnap app to their device OR use the desktop version.
• Squadron Website – The squadron website contains general information, references, links and an up to date training calendar.
• Squadron Facebook Page – The 858 Facebook page is currently a members only page. It is used as a backup means of communication as it is popular with some members. We post event photos and other aviation related posts there. If you’d like to join, visit the page and request to join.
• Email – VERY occasionally, we will use email rather than TeamSnap, with TeamSnap remaining our primary means of communication with families. Senior cadets are expected to have their own email address and to take responsibility for the information they are sent.
• Paper – (permission forms, etc) – All information and permission forms will be sent via TeamSnap, however paper copies will be provided for those who do not have the ability to print them out. Note that permission forms are to be returned to the Squadron Officers prior to the event in question.

KEEPING US INFORMED

It is critical that Cadets and families communicate to us any changes in your cadet’s personal or medical information, such as address changes and any new allergies, etc., OR if your Cadet will be away from mandatory events such as the weekly Parade night.

Frequently Asked Questions