The 50 Lt.-Col. Barker V.C., Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Dauphin, has some survival expertise to draw on after one of their number attended training in Whitehorse, Yukon, this summer.
Cadet Maison Legge, along with 57 other cadets, completed the Survival Instructor Course at the Whitehorse Cadet Training Centre.
The Survival Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and knowledge required to perform the duties of a survival instructor and team leader for aircrew survival activities.
Activities include aircrew survival skills, team and solo survival exercises, aircrew survival exercise operations, instructional technique, and navigation by map and compass.
As part of their training, the cadets learned how to build shelters, tools, and furniture without damaging the environment.
“This summer at Whitehorse, I learned that anything can be a hammer, or be made into something useful for survival out in the field,” says Legge.
The Whitehorse Cadet Training Centre welcomed 230 other cadets from across the country this summer to participate in interesting experiences and to meet new people, as well as receive training in not only the Survival Instructor Course, but also an Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course or a Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course.
Other in-depth learning opportunities are also available at cadet training centres across the country.
Opportunities such as the one they experienced this summer are what drew Legge to the air cadet program.
Legge first joined cadets in 2022 to follow in the footsteps of two of their three older brothers, as well as to satisfy their curiosity about the cadet program.
This is their first trip outside of Manitoba where Legge has had the opportunity to experience another environment.
“I think that cadets is a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends for life, learn new skills, travel and experience unique things,” Legge said.
“I stay in the program for the friends, the flying, the field training exercises, the classes, and the drill.”
The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12 and 19 and provides youth opportunities to develop skills that will last a lifetime including teamwork and communication.
Those who are interested in joining can find more information by visiting www.aircadetleaguemb.ca.
With the start of the air cadet program in 1941, squadrons were started at schools throughout the province in both cities and small communities.
The 50 Dauphin squadron began operating in 1941 and disbanded in 1948 when the program became less popular following the end of the Second World War.
It began operating again in 1958 and has continued since that time.
There are currently 24 active squadrons operating across the province.
Locally, training begins this month. Those interested in joining, or wanting more information can do so by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
There are opportunities for more than youth, however, as becoming part of the cadet program as an adult leader can be a rewarding experience. No previous military or cadet experience is required.
