About the Cadet Program
The Canadian Air Cadet Program is one of the largest youth programs in Canada with over 456 different squadrons across Canada and more than 25,000 cadets between the ages of 12 – 18 years old.
Air Cadets participate in a variety of fun and challenging activities. There is something for everyone – no matter what their personal interests may be. The outdoor enthusiast will appreciate learning survival skills for flight crew. The athlete will appreciate physical education and recreation, including a variety of sporting activities like biathlon and Olympic-style marksmanship. The artists will find their niche in the music program.
The curious will appreciate the hands-on activities such as building model aircraft. The scholarly will appreciate an introduction to the various tools and technologies linked to aviation. The dreamers will appreciate the evolution of technology and the advancements of the aerospace era, including the importance of Canadian participation.
Select top senior cadets may even earn the chance to represent Canada on the world stage by participating in an international exchange.
Most importantly, Air Cadets aids in developing knowledge of Canadian history and democracy. The cadet program focuses on social development, decision-making and leadership. As cadets acquire skills and knowledge, they pass it along to younger cadets.
Every cadet will have the chance to participate in flight activities, and some top senior cadets may even earn a scholarship to obtain their private pilot’s licence. Whether earning a glider pilot licence or private pilot licence, these cadets wear their wings with a pride rarely found in today’s youth.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Cadets choose to join either the Sea, Army or Air Cadet Program. Sea Cadets learn seamanship skills and how to sail. Army Cadets focus on adventure training activities such as outdoor activities and international expeditions. Air Cadets learn the principles of aviation, while some learn to become glider pilots, pilots of engine-propelled
Since 1942, we have led the effort to train, inspire and prepare the youth in the lower mainland not just for a career in aviation but for whatever our changing world throws at them.
The Cadet Program is one of the largest federally sponsored youth programs in Canada that includes:
The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets;
The Royal Canadian Army Cadets; and
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
It is a national program for young Canadians aged 12 to 18 who are interested in participating in a variety of fun, challenging and rewarding activities while learning about the Sea , Army and Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities. They make valuable contributions to Canadian society on a daily basis in terms of environmental, citizenship and community activities.
Cadets also learn valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship.
Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces, nor are they expected to join the military. While they are introduced to Sea, Army and/or Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces and certain traditions, they are also introduced to many other respectable career choices that are available to them.
Through the Cadet Program, the Government of Canada is investing in today’s youth and Canada’s future.
The Cadet Program is community-based. The program succeeds through strong community support and involvement. Cadets in turn make valuable contributions to their communities.