Cadets from 858 Skookumchuk Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (RCACS) hosted a flying, survival and leadership camp last weekend at Sechelt Airport. Cadets from three squadrons took turns to fly from Sechelt to Texada to Qualicum Beach and back in three Cessna 175s. Each time the plane touched down the cadets changed seats so every cadet took the controls under the supervision of volunteer pilot instructors.
Whilst a group of cadets was flying, the other cadets were practising air crew survival. They learned what to do in the unlikely event of an aircraft coming down unexpectedly. Topics taught included wilderness first aid, shelter building, fire starting, and map and compass techniques.
The cadet program teaches senior cadets to become instructors and the leadership skills of these cadets were monitored as they taught these life skills. Although it sounds like an intensive weekend, the sound of laughter was prevalent and old friendships were rekindled.
“The cadet program teaches youth to be independent, to be leaders in any situation,” said organizer 2nd Lt. Dave Douglas. “The survival life skills are invaluable any time you head out into the back country and as for the flying – well, we are Air Cadets! Most of our training is carried out in an aviation environment and there are scholarships available for cadets to obtain their pilot’s licence.”
The 858 squadron meets once a week on Wednesdays at Davis Bay Elementary school between 6 and 8:30 p.m. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 18 who would like to join should contact the squadron at 604-740-2317. For more information on Air Cadets, go to Cadets.ca.
