This section will highlight the various services and activities that the air cadets program offers such as flying, biathlon training and various other activities. This will also include other additions that have been added over the years such as music/band training.
Aviation
The main point of training that the Air Cadets was originally meant for was aviation or in other words training for flying. Starting with shorter distances, youth are trained how to fly planes such as glider planes. Achievements in flying are categorized as “earning your wings” and are judged by flight hours and mileage. These opportunities to learn how to fly are conducted by officers that are professionally trained in aviation. Teenagers as young as 16 achieve their licenses and continue to advance in various ways. The Abbotsford airport has greatly aided the cadets in allowing them to have a usable runway while being so close in distance to their homes.
Around the beginning of the Air Cadet program, in 1981, the Squadron had gone on a trip to recover an aircraft. This trip was a learning experience and exercise for all the Cadets, but more importantly it was a way for the Air Cadets to secure their very own airplane. They headed out to the woods close to Williams Lake to look for the aircraft. The owner of the plane had left it in the woods for a year and granted the Cadets permission to look for it and recover it. The Vancouver militia unit helped by providing a big truck capable of carrying the plane back to Abbotsford. Upon discovering the aircraft the Cadets had realized that it was no longer usable, so instead the aircraft was used for training when it came to other aspects such as mechanics and maintenance. This was a unique experience that turned out to be successful, so the youth were also taken on a second recovery trip.
Summer Camps
The youth of Abbotsford that were in the Air Cadets program were also offered opportunities to spend their summer at a Cadet training summer camp. These camps helped train cadets in “leadership, citizenship and physical fitness.” A prominent camp that the Air Cadets went on was the Penhold camp in Alberta which was a summer air cadet training camp. Summer camp opportunities were offered based on selection by their leaders. Air Cadets from various provinces and territories attend these camps, so those in attendance were the top air cadets in their respective regions. The selection process for the summer camp helped fuel friendly competition across the Squadron. This displayed the Squadron’s engagement and willingness to attend a camp that will be taking place in the summer when they are off of school. This is a 6 week long program.
Along with the training, the camp also acts as a reward for people who have been working hard throughout the year to spend their July and August with other youth and having fun. The camp included different programs of training such as aircraft systems, lifeguard or band beginner. Within these programs there was a variety of “sports, swimming, first aid, range, character guidance, water safety/canoeing, familiarization flying, and a program of lectures on military and citizen subjects.” During off-hours they were able to engage with other recreational activities or any housekeeping. These summer camp would bring together the top cadets and provide the youth with a space where they could spend their summers learning and having fun.
Other Activities
The following are activities presently offered by the Abbotsford Air Cadets as listed on their website:
- Flying
- Biathlon training
- Music/Band training
- Marksmanship
- Effective speaking
- Ceremonial Drill training
- Leadership skills
- First Aid training
- Sports and Fitness
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- How did the increase of activities offered within the Cadet program impact enrollment? Did diversifying activities lead to more interest in joining the Cadets?
- Were the Air Cadets willingly go to the summer camps or was it an underlying obligation that came with joining the Cadets?