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The Royal Canadian Cadet program is a national program, developed by the Department of National Defense (DND) for youth ages 12 to 18 who want to make new friends while participating in fun and challenging activities.  DND shares joint responsibility for the Cadet Program with its civilian counterpart, the Navy League of Canada.

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For those of you who are new to Sea Cadets and/or the Corps, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets were established in 1942 and Cayuga, in particular, was founded in April 1942.  Cayuga was originally named after the ship H.M.S Exeter, which was a light cruiser involved in the battle of the River Plate.  In March 1954, the Corp took on the name of a fighting ship of the Royal Canadian Navy and was renamed “Cayuga” after HMCS Cayuga, a Tribal class destroyer that saw action in the Korean War.  The program aims to develop teamwork, leadership, self-discipline, confidence, and lifelong friendships.  Additionally, it promotes physical fitness, stimulates an interest in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian forces.  In order to achieve these aims, the cadets take part in a variety of activities such as sailing, seamanship, drill, communication skills, marksmanship, and sports.

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Costs:

       There are NO registration fees or dues to join the Cadet Program.  Parents are asked to take out a voluntary membership in the Navy League Branch ($20) and cadets and parents are encouraged to participate in and contribute to fundraising on behalf of the Wainwright Branch of the Navy League, to offset costs not covered by the Department of National Defense.

 

Canadian Armed Forces

       While cadets will learn about the Canadian Armed Forces, they are not members of the military, nor are they expected to join.  However, the Officers who run the Cadet programs are Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) officers in the Reserve Force (COATS).

 

Attendance and Active Participation

       Cadets are expected to attend weekly Wednesday meetings (Parades).  Missing too many parades can interfere with completion of training and promotions.

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Fundraising

       Funds raised by the Wainwright Branch make possible supplemental optional activities, which are not funded by the Canadian Forces, some examples are:

       -Ski trips to Jasper or Battleford

       -Weekend trips to Edmonton

       -Weekend sports trip to Drumheller

       -Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine parties

       -End of the year camp-out.

Parents or guardians are expected to assist with a minimum of 50% of the Branch responsibilities including fundraising, recruitment, etc.  Cadets are expected to take part in fundraising activities to help raise the necessary funds for the Corps to be able to undertake the above optional activities.  To that end, please note that all cadets are required to attend a minimum of 75% of the fundraising events in order to be able to attend the supplemental events.

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Summer Camps

With regards to summer camps, each year, hundreds of Sea Cadets have the opportunity to attend summer courses at training centers in British Columbia, Ontario, the Maritimes or here in Alberta.  Courses run two, three, six, and eight weeks and cover a wide range of subjects from basic training to sailing, music, drill instructor, fitness, and leadership.  There is no cost to attend summer courses however the available spaces are limited.  All Cadets engaged in training are compensated with a training allowance (get paid to be there).

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