CADETS: A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOUTH

January 20, 2012

The largest federally-sponsored youth program in Canada is directed to young Canadians aged 12-18, giving them the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun, challenging, and rewarding activities while learning about the sea, army and air activities of the Canadian Forces - and uniforms are provided free.

The Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets work to develop an increased level of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-awareness in Canadian youth, as well as motivating the participants to improve their physical fitness, work harder at their academic studies and give back to the community through volunteerism.

Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities. They make valuable contributions to Canadian society on a daily basis in terms of environmental, citizenship and community activities.
Cadets also learn valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship.

While Canada’s army, air and sea cadets are given an appreciation of Canada’s military history and traditions, the goal of the program is not specifically to recruit new military members but rather to develop young people, to help them transition to adulthood – and have a good time in the process. Sea Cadets, for example, learn seamanship skills while Air Cadets learn the principles of aviation and may possibly receive some pilot training. There is also the opportunity to take part in cadet bands, practice marksmanship, officiate at veterans’ functions and participate in biathlon events. Some notable former cadets include astronauts Chris Hadfield and Marc Garneau, Senator Terry Mercer, singer George Canyon and Afshin-Jam Nazanin (International human rights activist and Miss World Canada 2003).

You can find out more about all three branches of the cadet corps at www.cadets.ca. I think the cadets are a great organization for young people. What do you think?