screening

858 needs you!

2019/2020 parent handbook

Without members and volunteers, many activities in our Squadron could not occur. Members and volunteers give their time in a variety of ways: running the canteen, driving Cadets to and from events, coordinating the annual Mess dinner, helping with special events, assisting with summer course selections and promotion interviews, coordinating the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards program, being the official Squadron photographer, chaperoning Pro-D Day field trips, media relations representative for the Squadron and so on. They want the Squadron to be successful and to be part of making that happen.

The Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL) welcomes a large number of volunteers at the Squadron level and in the Air Cadet Program as a whole. The Air Cadet League of Canada and its partner, the Department of National Defence (DND), jointly support the Royal Canadian Air Cadets in order to administer it in a structured, disciplined and safe manner. In this context, it is critical to ensure all volunteers are appropriately selected, initially supervised, well-intended, offer skills which add value and complement the program, and are good role models for Air Cadets. Knowing the volunteers, their skills and talents, and their intended contribution is very important to the Squadron Officers, staff and Sponsoring Committee. A team effort produces the best results for the greater benefit of the Cadet program.

It should be understood that the League’s responsibilities for civilian volunteers compliment those of DND and are of a supporting nature. The Commanding Officer and his/her supporting staff have command and control of the Cadets and are responsible for supervision of the training program. To fulfill its responsibilities to the Cadets, DND is required to conform to rulings by the Supreme Court of Canada that defined the level of care required by any organization in protecting youth under its direction. This level of care has been defined as that which would be exercised by a prudent parent in protecting their child. As a full, active partner in this aspect of the Air Cadet Program, it is also reasonable that we should also ensure that our registration and screening protocols meet the same standard required by our military partners. The military will be responsible for screening the volunteers of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve as well as contracted Civilian Instructors.

A volunteer’s Registration/Screening is valid for five years as long as the volunteer remains in good standing. By applying and being approved, the Volunteer undertakes an obligation to report any subsequent change to his/her situation/circumstances that is of a nature to reasonably and usually require a re-evaluation and re-screening (example, a new criminal offence).

We thank you for your generous offer of volunteer services and hope you understand the legal and moral obligation of the League in reviewing the suitability of all individuals working or involved with youth.

858 Skookumchuk Squadron asks that all parents of registered Cadets go through the screening process in order to support the cadet program on the Sunshine Coast.

If you would like to participate at a higher level to support your Cadet’s journey through the Cadet program, we invite you to get screened. Our current Screening Officer, Robert Kaatz, would be happy to provide you with all of the forms and information required.  Please contact him at any Wednesday Parade Night, or if he is unavailable, the Squadron Sponsoring Committee Chair, Victoria Gazeley.

Questions?

Contact the Squadron via our contact page.

Step 1

Fill out and submit the application form. Need a form? Contact our screening officer at 858screening@gmail.com

Step 2

Complete an Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC) via your local RCMP station OR via MyBackCheck.

Step 3

Submit your photo for use on your official ID. This can be taken by our Screening Officer or you can submit your own photo, taken against a plain white background. Email to 858screening@gmail.com

Step 4

Our screening officer conducts an short interview with you with some basic questions.

Step 5

Our screening officer conducts interviews with the four references you provide on your application form.

Step 6

Your application, photo, EPIC/MyBackCheck and references are submitted to the Air Cadet  League of Canada, BC Provincial Committee.

Step 7

The BC Provincial Committee screen staff complete the application process.

From beginning to end, this process can take 4-6 weeks or longer, so it is imperative that we begin this process as soon as possible so you can start contributing to the success of your cadet and 858 Skookumchuk Squadron!

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

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