Frequently Asked Questions
What summer training and camp opportunities are available to cadets?
Summer training is conducted at various training centre’s around Canada. Cadets can attend a summer course (more commonly referred to as “camp”) at these centre’s throughout their cadet career.
Summer courses range from the 2-week General Training Course (GTC), to 3-week basic courses, and to 6-week advanced courses. Aside from GTC, all the courses focus on an aspect of the cadet program, such as leadership, outdoor survival, sports, music and aviation. See the course list for more details on specific courses.
Where are the training centre’s located?
There are centre’s all across Canada. The majority of cadets at 151 Sqn will go to either the Trenton Cadet Summer Training Centre (2.5 hours east of Toronto) or the Blackdown Cadet Summer Training Centre (near Barrie, 1 hour north of Toronto).
Who is eligible to attend Air Cadet Summer training?
All cadets who joined 151 Sqn on or before 31 December 2011 are eligible to apply for summer training.
What if a cadet joins after 31 December 2011?
Unfortunately, cadets joining after 31 December 2011 are NOT eligible for summer training in 2012. They may apply for courses in 2013 though.
Are there any costs?
Summer courses are fully funded by the Air Cadet League and the Canadian Forces, so all training, accommodation, food, etc is covered. The only costs may be certain items cadets need to bring (toiletries, shoe polish, certain clothing such as bathing suits, pens/pencil, stationary etc), Cadets taking Glider and Power will incur costs related to medicals and their pilot licences.
What about transportation to and from the training centre?
Transportation is provided from Oshawa to and from the training centre. The departure site will be announced closer to the first departure date of July 1 2012.
Cadets going to training centre’s other then Blackdown or Trenton will receive movement orders from the summer camp officer for chartered buses, trains or flights.
Can a cadet apply for any summer course?
Cadets aged 14 and under (as of 31 Aug 2012) who joined the Sqn in 2011 may only apply for the 2-week General Training Course.
Cadets who’ve done GTC, or are 15 and older can apply for 3-week courses based on their level. 6-week courses are normally reserved for senior cadets (level 4/5) who’ve already done a 3-week course.
What courses are available?
Courses are broken down into four categories:
- General Training Course
- Basic Courses
- Music Courses
- Advanced Courses
- National Courses
See the course list for specific courses. The application process is the same for most courses except for national courses, which are done in November and have a more comprehensive application process. Selections for national courses are done by the Air Cadet League.
What are the chances of getting on a specific course?
151 Chadburn Squadron will try our best to get a course of your choice for each cadet. However there is NO GUARANTEE cadets will get a course. Choosing the right course and providing 3 course choices will provide more options in case your first choice is not available.
Cadets who do not get on a course will get placed on a waiting list.
How are cadets prioritized to be selected for summer courses?
Priority is based mostly on your Achievement Point Totals and officer input. So it is very important to get involved in the squadron activities.
When can a cadet apply a summer course?
Applications for the 2012 summer training courses will start on October 24, 2011 and Must be returned by November 14, 2011.
How and when will I know if I have been selected for a course?
Many cadets will be notified in April 2012 for National Courses and May 2012 for the remainder of the courses, whether they have been selected for a course, with more notifications in May and June.
Some cadets (those lower on the priority list) will be put onto a waiting list, in which case we won’t have exact course dates until the summer.
What happens if I’m on a waiting list?
Waiting list cadets usually take spots of cadets who’ve cancelled or did not show up for their pick-up. So it is best to be prepared for a last minute call from one of your summer training coordinators. Have your bag packed based on the Kit List provided on the website.
What if a cadet has gotten a course but no longer wants to or is unable able to go?
Please notify the Squadron Summer Training Coordinators as soon as possible so another cadet an put into the spot. Cadets who cancel in July without a good reason or those who do not show up for their pick-up will be given lower priority for courses in 2013.
What if a cadet has a medical condition that may be a concern?
Basic medical information is kept on record for all cadets. If the medical condition of a cadet has changed since registration to the Squadron or since the last medical update questionnaire was submitted then please notify the Administration Officer or Summer Training Coordinator(s) immediately.
What is life like for cadets at the training centre?
Training centre’s and courses are modeled in a military style. This includes foot drill and marching, structured classes, sports, eating in military messes and sleeping in barracks or group tents/rooms.
Courses are focused on positive motivation, teamwork, and fairly challenging the cadets. Instructors are trained to be firm, fair and friendly, and will always work hard to ensure cadets are having fun while receiving their training.
Cadets will also find themselves in a very social environment where they get to interact with youth from across the province and the country. They also have opportunities during the evening and on weekends to unwind and take a break from training in the form of snack canteens, entertainment/sports facilities, weekend mall or movie trips, and more.
What facilities are available at the training centre’s?
Most training centre’s have laundry, medical facilities, internet access rooms, mail delivery, payphones, evening hour snacks and entertainment (in the form of canteens, arcade games, movie rooms), sports gyms/areas and internal banking (so cadets do not have to carry all their cash on them or in their bunks/rooms).
Can parents visit the training centre’s?
Parents are allowed to visit after training hours and on weekends (on 3+ week courses) where they may sign out their son/daughter for several hours.
Parents can, and are encouraged to, attend the graduation parade at the end of the course. They can also pick up their son/daughter at that time with prior permission.
Please refer to the summer training centre’s joining instructions for specific rules and times allowed for Parent/guardian visits.
Can cadets be sent home before their course finishes?
A Return To Unit (RTU) is a situation where a cadet leaves the course prior to completion. RTUs can be due to medical, disciplinary, or voluntary (with parent request/permission) reasons.
Transportation costs for RTUs due to disciplinary reasons or parental request may be charged to the cadet’s parents.
Aside from an exciting summer, are there other benefits of attending summer training?
Cadets on 3 and 6-week courses may receive various qualifications such as St John’s first aid, cadet fitness/shooting/music qualifications, Transport Canada pilot licenses (in the case of the 6-7 week flying courses), monetary bursaries or scholarships and other qualifications or certificates that can help with future employment or education endeavors.
As well, cadets will meet many other youth from cadet squadrons and corps from across the province and the country. Many friendships in the cadet program have been formed through the interaction and teamwork of cadets during summer courses.
Do Cadets get paid for Summer Training
Yes, each cadet is paid $60 per week for summer training. A cadet bank is setup at each training centre and is cashed out at the end of a course.
Have more questions?
Cadets wondering about camp life and the various courses should feel free to talk to senior cadets and NCOs.
For specific course application inquiries, talk to one of your Summer Training Coordinators or Officers during a training night or contact : 151rcacs@gmail.com
More information is available on the Cadets.ca website. WWW.CADETS.CA or at the 151 Chadburn website WWW.CHADBURN.ORG under the Summer TG heading.