Words June Murray Dagnall
Photos Wind Gypsy Photography
The Cadet Program is a dynamic program for young Canadians aged 12 to 18 across the country. Join Air Cadets and participate in exciting and challenging activities that you can’t experience anywhere else!
At 676 Kittyhawk Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, located in North Saanich, leadership is not just taught, it is lived. This youth program, open to cadets ages 12 to 18, is proudly cadet-led. Senior cadets run parades, teach lessons and lead activities, while officers and civilian instructors are there to support, mentor and ensure safety.
The training year runs from September to June. Thursday evenings are the heart of the program and include opening parade, drill, announcements and three classroom lessons on topics such as aviation, leadership, first aid and Promoting Healthy and Safe Experiences (PHASE). The first Thursday of each month is the Commanding Officer’s Parade which is a formal evening where promotions and awards are presented.
Optional Training Nights are provided where cadets can learn new skills.
Monday. Marksmanship, where Cadets practice using Daisy air rifles and may advance to zone or provincial competitions.
Tuesday. Aviation is led by a pilot and aviation volunteers, and cadets study aeronautics and train on flight simulators in preparation for glider and power pilot scholarship exams.
Wednesday. Band: The Cadets learn instruments, music theory and military marching while playing.
Sunday. Drill Team: Cadets learn precision marching and create programs to demonstrate their skill leading up to the regional drill competition.
In November, the Effective Speaking Program begins, helping cadets develop public speaking confidence and compete locally and provincially.
Weekends often include leadership workshops, team building for first- and second-year cadets, and field training exercises where cadets learn survival skills such as fire-building, navigation and shelter-making. Many of these activities are held in conjunction with other local squadrons.
While part of the program is funded by the Department of National Defence, the Squadron Sponsoring Committee works tirelessly to support the main building, supplemental equipment and fun events throughout the year. Cadets can also apply for summer training across Canada, from Vernon and HMCS Quadra to Whitehorse.
One of the greatest rewards of the program is watching shy 12-year-olds grow into confident leaders. While not all cadets pursue military careers, many move on to aviation, healthcare, trades and leadership roles within their communities.
676 Squadron is powered by passionate volunteers as well as officers, instructors, parents and past cadets who give their time to assist these remarkable youth. There is no cost to be part of the cadets, and the program, whether Sea, Army or Air, is fully inclusive of all genders, races, religions and backgrounds. All uniforms are provided free of charge.
The building where the Kittyhawk Squadron meets was built in the 1930s. The Sponsoring Committee is planning a significant fundraising drive to address needed repairs and remediation projects along with upgrades to the mechanical systems and plumbing which will likely exceed $500,000 once fully scoped. The Sponsoring Committee is a non-profit and registered charitable organization and is hopeful to receive support from the local community both in funding and required trades.
Visitors are always welcome. For more information on how you can help, visit www.676kittyhawkrcac.com or contact the Sponsoring Committee via email at 676ssc@gmail.com.
