The Cadets programmes are designed to provide children and youth the opportunity to develop self-confidence, acquire new skills, and have fun. We offer a variety of activities aimed at helping them learn self-discipline and self-respect; develop good physical and mental fitness; develop teamwork and encourage them to help others; as well as encouraging them to learn about the sea and ships.
The following are some of the typical activities that are offered:
Drills & Leadership Development
Learning how to march and do drill is an integral part of Cadets. There are various roles within a division, and Cadets get an opportunity to try as many different positions that they are interested in. This aspect of training builds trust and teamwork. Uniform care and maintenance comes into focus as part of these exercises as well.
It is important for cadets to attend scheduled activities. Cadets who do not attend parade
nights regularly will fall behind in their training and will not be as successful and may not be able to progress ranks within the Corp. Attendance at special parades such as the Annual Inspections is critical.
This commitment is part of the discipline that we aim to help cadets develop as part of their experience.
Sailing & Water sports
Getting out on the water is a core component of Navy League Cadets. Safety is our number one priority. Cadets begin by learning the basics of both safety as well as sailing through dry-land training. During the warmer months of the year Cadets go out on the water in sail boats, whilst petroleum powered safety boats patrol within a safe distance.
Through the sailing program, Sea Cadets have the opportunity to earn their CAN-SAIL certificates.
- All cadets must pass their CANSAIL 1 to be promoted to a PO
- Those that enjoy sailing can earn additional levels up to instructor level by participating in summer training and other sail focused development training sessions during the year.
Additional information:
Sea Cadets also have opportunities to earn their PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) and ROC-M (Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate) certificates as well.
Boats Available
To support cadet water activities, the organization owns and maintain the following watercrafts to allow cadets to participate in a variety of on-water activities:
- Pacific Breeze (Cabin Cruiser)
- Fringe Benefits (Club Keel Boat)
- Full Circle (Home made Keel Boat)
- William (Cat 22 Keel Boat)
- Windrush (Cal 20 Keel Boat)
- QuaHaug (Cal 20 Keel Boat)
- Boston Whaler (14 foot runabout)
- Boston Whaler (12 foot run about)
- RHIB (Power Boat)
- Zodiac Mark II (Power Boat)
- Small Inflatable RHIB (Power Boat)
- 16 foot inflatable boat Power Boat)
- One Flying Junior (Sailing Dinghy)
- One Pirate (two handed sailing dinghy)
- Two 420’s (two handed sailing dinghies)
- Four RS Zest (two handed sailing dinghies)
- Ten Inflatable Paddle Boards
- Four Junior Kayaks
- One Adult Kayak
We also have a partnership with Kitsilano Yacht Club where our youth (this is not a cadet activity) have an opportunity to participate in Thursday Night Sail Racing.
NATIONAL REGATTA
Cadets who are interested in sailing may have the opportunity to participate in competitions (regattas). The National Regatta is held over four days each summer in Kingston, Ontario. The top 50 sea cadet sailors from across the country compete in the National Regatta, having qualified by competing in local and provincial/regional regattas (https://navyleague.ca/royal-canadian-sea-cadets/sea-cadets-information-parents/). Cadets who are interested in sailing may have the opportunity to participate in competitions (regattas). The National Regatta is held over four days each summer in Kingston, Ontario. The top 50 sea cadet sailors from across the country compete in the National Regatta, having qualified by competing in local and provincial/regional regattas (https://navyleague.ca/royal-canadian-sea-cadets/sea-cadets-information-parents/).
Band
Cadets get the opportunity to join band and learn an instrument. This program are is instructed by a qualified member of the community who works under the Commanding Officer as part of the training program. The band includes instruments from bass drums to trumpets. Along with learning instruments and music theory, band members learn proper marching drills and compete in friendly competitions with other Cadet bands and, sometimes, in regular competitions with other bands from the community, high schools or private clubs. The local corps provides the instruments, music and supplies to the cadets at no cost. Cadets of all skills levels are encouraged to join!
Power Boat and Radio Operations
We offer the ability to take courses to get both the Marine Radio Course (ROC-M) and Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) certifications. ROC stands for Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate and is required by anyone using a marine VHF radio or other marine radios. The PCOC allows you to operate any motorized pleasure crafts. The cost of these courses is covered by the branch.
Camps
Sea Cadets can apply to attend a DND-operated Summer Training Centre (camp) from two to eight weeks long each summer.
Not only are summer camps free to attend, but cadets may be provided a training bonus for learning new skills they can apply to their home unit upon return.
Senior Cadets are encouraged to apply for leadership roles as Summer Training Staff Cadets, a role that offers cadets the opportunity to mentor junior cadets, apply leadership skills, and have a fun-filled summer.