Cadets’ Corner is a weekly column submitted by the 37 Orville Hand Air Cadet Squadron.
Want to become air cadet? Here is your chance.
Interested individuals can apply for the Air Cadet Program on Sept. 14.
Air cadets are part of the Canadian Cadet program. This program has a membership of more than 53,000 cadets, 26,000 of whom are air cadets. In Ontario alone, there are 8,000 air cadets.
The Air Cadet Program started in 1941 when a group of civilian volunteers set up a country-wide voluntary organization to help stimulate an interest in flying and aviation. Many cadets eventually entered wartime service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
Following the end of the war, the Air Cadet Program remained in place. Its role changed to meet the changing needs of society and its young people.
The aims of the Air Cadet Program are to:
• Develop the attributes of good citizenship and leadership
• Promote physical fitness
• Stimulate the interest of youth in aviation and aeronautics
To be eligible to enrol in the Canadian Cadet Program:
• The prospective cadet must be no younger than 12 years old but no older than 19 years old on the day of enrolment
• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Have valid health insurance in Canada (public health insurance such as OHIP or private health insurance are accepted)
The Air Cadet Program is funded by the Department of National Defence, and the basic program is offered at no charge.
In order to fund activities such as supplying powered aircraft, gliders, flying training courses and many other activities, the Squadron raises funds through different community activities such as tagging. They also have a generous sponsor in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 521.
No cadet will be turned away from the program due to financial reasons. Cadet uniforms and nearly all cadet activities are provided at no additional cost to the cadets, including two, three, six and seven-week summer training courses (in fact, cadets are paid a $60/week training bonus while at summer training!).
Join us on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. for registration and open house at Fieldcrest Elementary School (100 Professor Day Dr., Bradford). Recruit applications will be accepted online here.
