Summer Training
Summer Training is a component of the Air Cadet Training Program, consisting of courses and exchanges held at various locations, during the summer. The aim of summer training is to support and enhance Squadron training by providing the cadets with new skills. There are different categories of summer training that cadets could be eligible for, depending on mandatory criteria and their completed Proficiency Level. Cadets have a unique opportunity to learn in a dynamic learning environment. If you join cadets prior to December 31st of the training year (September to June) then you may be eligible to attend Summer Training. There are many rules regarding the selection of cadets for summer training and these will be reviewed on a yearly basis at a summer camp meeting. This meeting is informative to parents and cadets and usually takes place in early January. Cadets must attend a Positive Social Relations in Youth (previously known as CHAP) training/briefing before being considered for summer camps.
Summer Training is a reward for cadets; however, it should be considered seriously. Cadets are trained during their time there and should be willing and able to put in a serious effort and commitment. The rewards for summer training are many and include future recommendations for courses and exchanges, the chance to travel across Canada, and to meet new friends from across the country! Cadets will return from these courses with an enhanced knowledge of different air, leadership, survival or music related subjects, and a developed sense of teamwork and self-confidence. More information about these courses can be found at this link: http://www.cadets.ca/regions/pac/air-aviation.aspx?id=95830.
Staff Positions at Camp
Staff Cadet: Advanced Training Staff Cadet (SCdt) positions are offered to senior cadets who have qualified experience at the Local Training and Summer Training Programs. While at the CSTC, SCdts are responsible for assisting in instruction and supervision of cadets, and in administration and logistical support roles. SCdts are provided with a daily training allocation to which the rate is dependent on rank. Cadets are eligible for this advanced training if they have completed Level 3 and are no younger than 16 years old by January 1st of the year of employment. Further information about Staff Cadet Advanced Training and prerequisites can be found in CATO 13-28.
Summer Camp Applications
Completing application forms and understanding what types of information is required for camp staff can be very daunting when you are not familiar with the processes involved. This resource page has been put together to help answer some of the most common questions asked and addresses some of the most common errors made in completing paper work. Be sure to ask your unit staff for assistance if you are still unsure of how to complete a form. Accurate, concise and timely application forms will help ensure your cadet is considered for a camp that they may be eligible for. Errors in paperwork may result in cadets missing out on their camp of choice.
CF 51- Application and Approval-Cadet Activities
Regardless of where your cadet may be attending camp, of what type of course they are requesting, all cadets MUST have completed a CF-51.
Often this form is received incomplete or completed incorrectly. It is imperative that applications for summer training are received on or before the deadlines published. Be sure to ask your unit staff what these deadlines are so that your cadet does not miss an opportunity to apply for camp.
Applications for senior selection board courses are due into the Air Office of RCSU (Pac) by mid-January each year. Be sure to check with your Squadron staff to find out the exact date and the latest date that you can submit application forms to your squadron unit.
Applications for non-selection board courses are due into the Air Office of RCSU (Pac) no later than the end of February each year. Be sure to check with Squadron staff to find out the exact date and the latest they can receive the forms at your squadron unit.
Scholarships
Flying Scholarships are available to senior cadets as six and seven-week summer courses. Cadets work towards their Transport Canada Private Pilot’s License. Transport Canada licensed flying instructors train cadets using an approved Transport Canada flying and academic program. While on course, cadets are supervised and guided by Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) officers. The flying scholarship includes both practical and in-class training. Before cadets start their practical training in aircraft; they review the basics of flying and learn the specific techniques to be used in the aircraft they will be flying. Air cadets must meet the following criteria to apply for a flying scholarship:
- Level 4LHQ training
- Interested in pursuing further air cadet training
- Grade 10 completed by start of scholarship course
- Complete a Transport Canada Medical Certificate: Category 3
- Must be 17 years of age but under 19 years before September 1st after course completion
Each squadron has a maximum number of cadets they can send on the scholarship each year. This number is based on the number of cadets each squadron has on annual review at the end of the previous year. Cadets are selected through a three-level process, which includes input from the local, provincial and national level. The national level makes the final decision. Air cadets who have successfully completed both the Gliding Scholarship and the Flying Scholarship are authorized to wear the badge on the uniform sleeve. Air Cadets who have successfully completed the Flying Scholarship can teach aviation subjects to other cadets in their squadron.
Mock Boards
Scholarship Award Boards are conducted every year for a number of senior courses such as Flying Training, Senior Leaders, Athletics and Exchange. These Boards usually consist of two Air Cadet League members and an Officer who sit behind a table and ask questions of the applicant for approximately 30 minutes. Since these interviews can be very stressful for young candidates, Squadron Sponsoring Committees attempt to prepare the applicants by holding practices, called “mock boards”, a short time before the actual boards are scheduled. Instructions for the composition and operation of a “mock board” are contained in a separate section on the provincial web site.
Awards
Lord Strathcona Medal
Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Cadets can receive a few awards for their performance, community service or even bravery. Cadets are also able to receive any Canadian Order, Decoration or Medal that is available to Canadian citizens, such as the Medal of Bravery. Cadets also have a number of scholarships that they are able to apply for to assist them with post secondary education costs. For more information on Canadian Medals, visit the Governor General’s website at: www.gg.ca.
Scholarships available through the Canadian Cadet Movement
Continuation Flying Training Awards: Established to provide continuation flying training cash awards for cadets who have won Air Cadet Power or Glider Wings. Applications are mailed annually directly to each flying and glider scholarship recipient for that year. Graduates of that year and qualifying cadets from previous year’s scholarships should submit their applications to the National League Headquarters before the October 31st deadline.
Harry Astoria Memorial Gliding Award: This award is available to Air Cadets who are selected as the Top Glider Graduate in British Columbia. This award has been initiated in memory of Harry K. Astoria and his long time dedication and service to the Air Cadet League of Canada, in particular for his leadership and dedicated service to the British Columbia Provincial Committee Air Cadet League of Canada. The award has a cash value of $500.00. The Harry Astoria Memorial Gliding Award is for presentation annually commencing August, 2001.
Bill Batchelor Continuation Flying Training Award: In memory of a long term President, mentor and volunteer, the Air Cadet League of Canada, British Columbia Provincial Committee, has established the Bill Batchelor Continuation Flying Training Award, to be presented annually to the Top Graduate of the provincial Flying Scholarship program. The award has a cash value of $500.00.
