What if there was a dynamic and structured youth program that offered Canadian youth a variety of interesting and challenging activities? What if there was a program developed for youth that increased self-confidence, self-esteem and self-awareness? What if you watched your son or daughter motivated to improve their physical fitness, to work harder at their academic studies and to give back to their communities through volunteerism and citizenship activities?
What if that program was called “Cadets?”
For generations both the Navy League and Sea Cadet programs have had a direct impact on Canadian youth in more ways than can be counted. Today’s Cadet programs empower our youth to gain confidence in themselves, set goals and achieve success in more ways than the score of a game or how fast they finished a race.
Ask any Cadet parent about the growth they have seen and the experiences their child has had through a cadet program. Ask a Cadet about the fun and exciting things they have done as a cadet and how they feel about helping their community. Ask today’s leaders, many who are former cadets, and they will note how the program helped them become well-rounded, community-minded, confident young individuals better prepared to assume their place as today’s and tomorrow’s leaders.
Since 1969 the ideals of “Cadets” have been made available to Saanich Peninsula youth by two cadet corps having received the highest level of achievement within cadet movement: The Admiral Budge Sea Cadet Corps and Admiral Martin Navy League Cadet Corps.
The Navy League cadet program (ages nine to 11) uses a naval theme to promote fun and challenging experiences such as team building, swimming, camping, hiking and participating in parades and other community events. Navy League Cadets also learn life skills such as communications, seamanship and citizenship skills. The Navy League program is highly structured and focused on the development of self-discipline, organization and teamwork.
The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (ages 12 to 19) are taught many life skills such as sailing, seamanship, naval communications and leadership. Selected senior cadets have the opportunity to be paid to attend summer training courses at many training centres across Canada and partake in international exchanges, ship deployments aboard Canadian Navy and Coast Guard ships. Sea Cadets also have the opportunity to compete in sailing regattas, band competitions and ceremonial activities.
For more information regarding the Saanich Peninsula Navy League and Sea Cadet programs visit www.rcsccadmiralbudge.ca or www.nlccadmiralmartin.ca or to locate a corps within your community visit www.vidcadets.ca.
