The 37 Bradford Orville Hand Air Cadet Squadron was launched last year, as a Flight of 94 Newmarket Optimist Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
“Our goal last year was 30 cadets,” said Commanding Officer Major Steve Case. “We started with 30, ended with 29” – and on Thursday night, saw most of those first-year cadets return, to sign up for a second year, as members of the independent Bradford squadron, and enjoy a welcome-back barbecue at the Royal Canadian Legion.
“Tonight is basically the return of the senior cadets,” said Legionnaire Mike Giovanetti, calling the first year a “great success,” and noting that the returning cadets will be involved as leaders, training this year's new recruits.
The Air Cadet program is designed for youth – both boys and girls – between the ages of 12 and 18. It’s a very valuable program, said Legion Liaison George Neilson, that provides the leadership training for young people.
“It also gives them a chance to participate with other cadets, meet new friends, teaches them to work with other people – and at the end they’ll have a chance to qualify for their pilot’s licence,” Neilson said. For some, it’s a pathway to the Canadian Forces.
The cadets lined up to ensure that their paperwork was in order, replace outgrown uniforms, and to update their training records. “Our returning cadets have been to summer camps across the province, some of them,” said Major Case, taking additional training, participating in sports and workshops.
Cpl. Sun was one of the senior cadets who attended summer camp at CFB Borden’s Cadet Training Centre Blackdown, working on “basic drill and ceremonial,” Sun said. “We basically got that down. We’re going to be participating in a lot of ceremonies,” including the flag party at Remembrance Day services.
In addition to drill and ceremony, cadets at the camp had an opportunity to try Biathlon, participate in Sports Day competitions, and events that included “Christmas in July.”
“It was fun – but the weather was something special,” said Cpl. Sun. Next time, he said, he’ll bring a sleeping bag.
Next Thursday, Sept. 12, is 37 Squadron’s Recruitment and Information Night, at Fieldcrest Elementary School, 100 Professor Day Drive in Bradford, starting at 6:30 p.m.
“We’re inviting anybody who’s thinking of becoming a cadet, to bring a parent and come by to ask any questions they want,” said Major Case. “Our goal this year is 60 kids” – doubling the size of the Squadron.
The cadet program builds self-confidence, friendships, and leadership, said Case, besides providing both training and opportunities for advancement.
Anyone interested in signing up for the Air Cadet program can pick up an application at the Bradford Legion bar, 115 Back St., any time after 4 p.m., and return the completed form to the Legion, or click here for more information.
