A new training season is opening this week for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Malaspina and offers Powell River youths a plethora of valuable training and experiences—even a summer job.
Although the 2012/2013 cadet season began September 4, registration for boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 is still open. Training nights will be held regularly from 6:30 to 9:30 pm every Tuesday and will run until June in the cadet hall at Timberlane barracks.
RCSCC Commanding Officer Lieutenant (Navy) Dave McLennan said there are a lot of benefits for youths who join the cadet corps, but perhaps the biggest is learning how to sail and being certified by the Canadian Coast Guard to operate a vessel, a certificate that everyone who sails currently needs to have.
“In addition to sailing,” said McLennan, “we teach the cadets citizenship, promote teamwork and physical fitness. As the cadets enter senior high school, they can even earn school credits toward their graduation.”
Although RCSCC borrows from the Canadian Forces there’s no obligation for cadets to join the Canadian Forces when they complete the cadet program. “We’re a youth organization,” added McLennan. “I’ve only had three cadets join the Canadian Forces in my 23 years.”
As cadets move up through the ranks and become senior cadets, the corps focuses on having them teach skills to the junior cadets. “Cadets teaches them how to teach,” said McLennan. “They can go on to be instructors at the National Sea Cadet camp in Comox. They’re paid as staff cadets. It’s good work experience and good for their resumé.”
In addition senior cadets also have the opportunity to go on international exchanges to various countries around the world.
According to McLennan the highlight for this training year will be the interprovincial exchange in Estevan, Saskatchewan, in February 2013 where cadets will have the chance to meet other cadets from around the country.
“The cadet program is very educational,” said McLennan. “I think the youths that go through the cadet program in general have a little bit of a head start and know what they might want to do as a career by the time they get to grade 12.
“They will meet other kids there that they’ll have as friends for life,” added McLennan who went through the cadet program as a youth. “I have.”
For more information about sea cadets or to sign up, readers can call 604.483.3511 or visit www.cadets.ca.
