Kingston Cadets celebrate first ‘Cadets Week’ with return to in-person training

This week is the first designated “Cadets Week,” and Kingston’s Navy League Cadet and Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) are celebrating with the return to in-person training.

In a Bill passed by Royal Assent on April 11, 2022, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario proclaimed the week beginning with the first Saturday in October to be Ontario Cadets Week in recognition of “Canada’s dynamic cadet program with numerous cadet corps and squadrons across Ontario,” according to a release from the Navy League of Canada, Kingston Branch.

According to the Ontario Cadets Week Act, 2022 ,”cadets are active members of their communities and make valuable contributions to society on a daily basis. Proclaiming Ontario Cadets Week will honour the outstanding young Canadians who unique personal and collective development through cadet programs will help them be successful in Canadian Society, as well as recognizing those who support the programs directly and indirectly.”

In Kingston, the Navy League of Canada’s Branch supports two cadet Corps — Navy League Cadets Cataraqui (9-12 years-old) and RCSCC St Lawrence (12-18 years-old). Togethe,r the cadet corps are celebrating this designation amidst the start of a new training year and after two years of remote training, with the return to in-person training at 24 Navy Way. 

“We are excited to get back to in-person training this year,” stated Navy League Cadet Corps Cataraqui Commanding Officer (CO), Tim Bramham. “It’s been a difficult two years keeping cadets engaged online after long days of virtual learning, however, their love for the program carried them through. We have a lot of fun activities planned for the upcoming year and we look forward to working with the cadets to help develop essential life skills such as self-confidence, teamwork, problem-solving, physical fitness and community engagement.”

These cadet programs are peer-led and open to youth ages 9 to 18. The Navy League said that they offer a safe-yet-challenging environment for youth to access a unique skills development experience.

According to the organization, “it’s your all-in-one after-school program with activities like sports, music, crafts and technology. More importantly, the core programs are offered free, removing the stress of financial barriers, and additional summer opportunities are available at low to no cost.”

Navy League Cadets Cataraqui and Royal Canadian Sea Cadets St Lawrence are always looking for new members to join their corps. Anyone interested should contact [email protected] or visit www.kingstoncadets.ca for more information. Recruits are welcome all year.