circa 2004/05…
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets program is a national youth program for young individuals aged 12 to 19. Air Cadets is one of the largest federally funded youth programs in the country – and NO – cadets are not members NOR are part of the Canadian Forces. I recommend this program as an additional activity for youth who have an interest in teaching, following and leading in teams, music/large-band groups, rhythmic drills, and/or have an interest in technical trades involving the air, navy, or army elements.
Teenagers typically spend their weekdays and weekends playing sports, video games, or catching up on homework. However, for 7 years, Mondays, weekends, and summers were dedicated to an organization focused on instilling citizenship, leadership, physical fitness, and an interest in general aviation.
Awarded the Lord Strathcona Medal, 2009.
This organization provides 12- to 13-year-olds with essential life skills, teaching responsibility for maintaining uniforms and equipment, accountability for team routines and weekly tasks, and offers a platform to teach content and skills to peers and younger cadets. Senior cadets, adult officers, and volunteers mentor cadets, helping them lead from a young age. By age 15-16, the program helps cadets recognize their potential and develop interests in teaching and leading teams as future career paths. The feedback and assessments from adult officers during lesson preparation and delivery leave a lasting impact, motivating a commitment to providing meaningful feedback to students even today.
Some notable highlights of my time with the Cadet Organizations:
- Creating life-long friendships with people who enjoyed and pursued similar interests together.
- Summer employment as a youth instructor, and as a commissioned Canadian reservist officer (Cadet Instructors Cadre)
- Having included rooms and meals all covered during those summers!!
- Winning Richmond Top Senior Cadet Instructor Award
- Opportunities to fly non-motored gliders and small-motor Cessna airplanes
- Working alongside decorated members of the Air Force in joint citizenship-promoting activities
- Spearhead multi squadron/group sports tournaments around the lower mainland
- Helping youth discover their sense of belonging to groups and feel confident with leading and working in teams.
- so much more!
Information about Air Cadet League of Canada can be found HERE.
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