By Lana Meier with files from Flight Sergeant Hailey Nagtalon, Cadet Correspondent, Whitehorse Cadet Training Centre.
Stonewall’s 301 Alan McLeod, V.C., Royal Canadian air cadets joined 227 other cadets from across the country at the Whitehorse Cadet Training Centre this summer.
Cadets Lillian Rurak, Isla Petrie and Stepan Lavrov joined 55 other cadets to utilizie their land navigation skills as a team in Whitehorse, Yukon on Aug. 12. The trio also learned how to instruct the survival course while learn how to navigate safely in the training area.
“Making friends and creating memories was the most valuable takeaway from this summer,” says Lavrov. Being confident in my ability to survive in the woods has been great,” says Rurak. “Being in the survival course this summer has taught me to learn and try again no matter how many mistakes I make,” says Petrie.
Rurak, Petrie and Lavrov all joined cadets in 2021. All of them joined the program because of the unique experiences and the friends that they would make. They also all share an interest in airplanes. These three were fortunate enough to make it into the same course this summer, all learning fun and interesting survival skills.
“I think people should join the program because it’s fun! I’ve enjoyed all the activities I’ve done here so far, and I feel like others would find all the opportunities cool too,” said Rurak. All three say that “people should join for the friends and unique opportunities.”
The Cadet Program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-19 and provides opportunities to develop skills that will last a lifetime including teamwork and communication. Youth who are interested in joining the Cadet Program can do so by visiting Join the Cadet Program – Canada.ca.
Becoming part of the Cadet Program as an adult leader is a choice to serve both your country and your local community. It is easier than you may think and is filled with rewarding opportunities to gain new skills valued not only within the Canadian Armed Forces, but within your existing workplace. No previous military or cadet experience is required.
For more information call (204) 515-7418 or register for 301 Alan McLeod V.C., Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 7-9 p.m. at the Access Curling Club in Stonewall.
Training starts locally in September.
