Adminstrative officers are seeking new member to recruit the line up.
LINDSAY GOSS
Pass Herald Reporter
As Crowsnest Pass cadet Stephanie Lanting ages out of cadet program, administrative officers are seeking new members to recruit to the line up.
Former Warrant Officer Second Class Cadet Lanting was presented a shadow box display of badges and metals she earned in the cadet program.
Lanting “aged out” of the cadet program earlier this year and was presented the shadow box display of the badges she has earned as part of a final farewell and thank you presentation for her years as a cadet in the Crowsnest Pass.
Trish Smith, also known as C.I. Smith, is an administrative officer for the cadet program in the Crowsnest Pass. She says the cadet program is a great experience for kids who are looking to meet new people and learn new life skills.
“We do a lot of activities, said Smith. “It’s a good place to hang out with your friends after school and provides great opportunities to meet other people,” she said, adding that it gives the kids a chance to get more involved in the community.
The Crowsnest Pass cadet members helped with the Pumpkins in the Park in Coleman on November 2nd, just one of the many community activities they attend and volunteer at.
Smith explained that although the cadet program is fun and exciting, it furthermore teaches responsibility and accountability. Cadet members also get to partake in some rare activities through the cadet program.
“One activity they love is going in the gliders, which is not something not every kid gets to experience.”
Smith explains that kids also get to learn survival training and participate in survival training camps.
“They love military food, which is strange,” Smith said.
The Crowsnest Pass cadet program is also looking for more people, as they currently only have 15 local kids. “We can take on as many children as we can. They larger the squadron, the better,” Smith said.
In addition to community involvement, socialization and rare experiences, the cadet program helps children improve and enhance their physical endurance and training.
Fitness evaluations are done twice a year, and badges are earned from the evaluations. Evaluations are specific to age, height and weight. Cadet can also be promoted to higher levels, as long as they achieve a certain amount of time and effort to their current level.
“It gives the kids a good idea of where they should be for their age group in regards to fitness and activeness,” said Smith.
“We try to keep them active as much as possible.”
Smith explained that cadet members recently underwent a compassing activity, where they used a compass to navigate thorough a wilderness area. She added that hikes and scavenger hunts are also common in physical activities with the cadets.
Education, physical activity and community involvement are three of the main things the cadet program tries to ensure members take pride in.
“It’s their way of making the cadets a more actives member o the community but also to teach them to be a better Canada citizen,” Smith said.
