Cadets from 737 Thompson, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron were in Winnipeg from July 11-15 for cadet training.
The cadets — April Meuse, Rovic Larino, Gazi Rahman, Jordan Townend and Joel Townend — participated in the five-day Cadet Activity Program. During the program, the cadets enjoyed geocaching, golfing, marksmanship, playing sports, going to the zoo, visiting museums, a show and tell with the Canadian Armed Forces, biathlon, and orienteering. They especially enjoyed the comfy pillows, excellent food, and the new friends they made.
Some cadets flew in an airplane for the first time.
“The plane was exciting but felt weird when it was turning,” said cadet Jordan Townend.
Being away from home from the first time comes with some challenges.
“We lost our room cards like 10 times now, but the officer helped us with our cards,” laughed cadet Rovic Larino.
The cadets were also excited to see a capybara, a large South American rodent, at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
The cadets all joined 737 Thompson, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron last fall. A particular memory for the cadets was the Christmas party. “We made gingerbread houses out of graham crackers and had to guess how much candy there was. If we guessed it, we got it,” said cadet Joel Townend.
The Cadet Activity Program is one of many activities available to youth at local, regional, and national levels in the cadet program year-round. The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 years old and develops confident, self-sufficient leaders who form lasting friendships and are engaged in their communities. Air cadets learn about aviation technologies, air crew survival, and how to fly.
Adults are also needed to help train, administer and supervise the local youth involved in the cadet program. Becoming part of the cadet program is easier than you may think, it’s a lot of fun, and the skills you learn are likely transferable to your regular employment. No previous military or cadet experience is needed.
Contact 737 Thompson, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron at 833-722-3387 or email info@737aircadets.com to find out how to get in on the fun and learning. Training restarts locally in September.
Capt. Richard Novak is a public affairs officer with the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest).
