Which Summer Courses are available?
There is a variety of courses available with specific pre-requisites. There are also medical restrictions due to the remoteness of some training centres, and their distance from a hospital. Cadets with certain food allergies and other medical conditions may not be eligible to go to attend certain courses or Training Centres.
Are there any costs?
Summer courses are fully funded by the Air Cadet League and the Canadian Forces, so all transportation, training, accommodation, food, etc is covered. The only costs may be certain items cadets need to bring (toiletries, shoe polish, certain clothing such as bathing suits, pens/pencil, stationary etc).
How are cadets prioritized to be selected for summer courses?
Available spots on courses (except national courses) are split by gender, so males and females cannot take open spots from each other. This is due to sleeping facilities at the training centres.
Priority for the General Training Course is determined by the attendance of the cadet.
Priority for other courses is determined by:
- Rank
- Attendance
- Related activity in the Squadron:
- Band members = Music courses
- Ground School students = Aviation courses
- Shooting Team members = Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course
- Sports Team members = Fitness & Sports courses
- Joining date
What happens if I’m on Stand-By?
Cadets on Stand-By are usually loaded onto a course, however it may not be the course they applied for, and they may not get course details until the summer. Stand-By cadets usually take spots of cadets who have canceled at the last moment or did not show up for their pick-up.
What if a cadet has been loaded onto a course but no longer wants to or is unable able to attend?
Please notify the squadron as soon as possible so another cadet can be put into the spot. Cadets who cancel in July without a good reason or those who do not show up for their pick-up will be given a low priority for courses in the future.
What if a cadet has a medical condition that may be a concern?
Basic medical information is kept on record for all cadets. If the medical condition of a cadet has changed since registration to the squadron or since the last medical questionnaire was submitted, please notify the Administration Officer immediately.
What is life like for cadets at the Training Centre?
Training Centres and courses are modeled in a military style. This includes foot drill and marching, structured classes, sports, eating in military messes and sleeping in barracks or group tents/rooms. Cadet courses are very focused on positive motivation, teamwork, and challenging the cadets. Instructors will always work hard to ensure cadets are having fun while receiving their training.
Cadets will also find themselves in a very social environment where they get to interact with youth from across the province and the country. They also have opportunities during the evening and on weekends to unwind and take a break from training in the form of snack canteens, entertainment/sports facilities, weekend mall or movie trips, and more.
What facilities are available at the Training Centres?
Most Training Centres have laundry, medical facilities, internet access rooms, mail delivery, payphones, evening hour snacks and entertainment (in the form of canteens, arcade games, movie rooms), sports gyms/areas and internal banking (so cadets do not have to carry all their cash on them or in their bunks/rooms).
Can parents visit the Training Centres?
Parents are allowed to visit after training hours and on weekends on 3+ week courses, where they may sign out their son/daughter for several hours. Parents are also encouraged to attend the graduation parade at the end of the course. They can also pick up their son/daughter at that time with prior permission.
I have more questions!
Cadets wondering about camp life and the various courses should feel free to talk to senior cadets and staff.