Summer Training

Summer Camps

From: National Defence

More than 20,000 Cadets attend summer courses at one of our 22 training centres located across Canada. From the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Rocky Mountains and everywhere in between, Cadet Training Centres offer a wide variety of activities and training. Summer courses can be from 1 to 6 weeks long, allowing cadets to experience more in-depth studies and experiences in the area in which they are selected.

Some training centres involve all 3 cadet elements (Sea, Army and Air) allowing for a wholesome learning experience and a unique opportunity to work together, learn from each other and meet new friends in a fun, challenging and safe environment. Those are the experiences you will never forget!

During summer training, you will receive a training allocation and earn a weekly training bonus of $10.00 per day, up to $60.00 per week. You will also have access to exciting and dynamic training courses and quality instruction given by skilled and knowledgeable instructors. Some Cadets even get the opportunity to participate in international exchanges. Most importantly, you will experience a rewarding summer.

Selection for summer training

Cadets are selected to attend summer training based on their attendance, behaviour, and other attributes that they’ve demonstrated throughout the cadet training year. If you want to apply and be considered for summer training, you must have been a Cadet prior to March 31.

If you are selected to participate in summer training you will have the chance to travel to a training centre in your region. If you are selected for a specialized course or your region does not offer a particular program you may have the opportunity to travel to another training centre located in a different province or territory where you will meet other cadets from all over Canada.

Regardless of where a cadet goes for summer training, he or she is certain to have a fun and rewarding summer. Summer training offers, for some, an opportunity to travel internationally while for others it means meeting new people from across Canada while learning.

“I made so many new friends from all across Canada at summer camp. It is nice to know that no matter where I travel in our country, I have a friend that lives there.”

– Air Cadet Skylar Shaunessy, Alberta. Source: cadets.ca

Cadet Summer Training Opportunities by Level

Cadet Summer Training Opportunities by Category

1. General Courses Available to All Cadets

2. Specific Courses Available to Air Cadets Only

3. National Courses

1. General Courses Available to All Cadets

Basic Fitness and Sports — 3 Weeks

The Basic Fitness and Sports course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in fitness and sports activities, and to develop knowledge and skills on how to perform the duties of a Fitness and Sports Assistant. Activities include following a personal fitness routine, leading warm-up and cool-down sessions, assisting with the Cadet Fitness Assessment and assisting with recreational sports. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Two / Red Star / Proficiency Level Two.

Fitness and Sports Instructor — 6 Weeks

The Fitness and Sports Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a fitness and sports specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to perform the role of a Fitness and Sports Instructor and a team leader for fitness and sports activities conducted at the corps / squadron during regionally directed activities and/or as a staff cadet at a CSTC. Activities include personal fitness and healthy living, conducting the Cadet Fitness Assessment, and leading recreational sports. Cadets applying for this course should be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Three / Silver Star / Proficiency Level Three.

Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor — 6 Weeks

The Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop marksmanship skills and knowledge, and to instruct and lead air rifle marksmanship activities. Activities include first aid, advanced marksmanship, instructional techniques and coaching. Cadets applying for this course should be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Three / Silver Star / Proficiency Level Three.

Military Band – Basic Musician

The Military Band – Basic Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and military band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, demonstrating rhythm skills, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Two / Red Star / Proficiency Level Two.

Military Band – Intermediate Musician

The Military Band – Intermediate Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and military band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include first aid, maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Military Band Music Level Basic, be 14–15 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Three / Silver Star / Proficiency

Military Band – Advanced Musician

The Military Band – Advanced Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in advanced music training and military band activities, to prepare them to lead and instruct corps’ music programs. Activities include music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, performing ensemble music as a member of a band, leadership, and instructional technique. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Military Band Music Level Basic, be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Four / Gold Star / Proficiency Level Four.

Pipe Band – Basic Musician

The Pipe Band – Basic Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and pipe band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include highland dance, maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, demonstrating rhythm skills, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Two / Red Star / Proficiency Level Two.

Pipe Band – Intermediate Musician

The Pipe Band – Intermediate Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and pipe band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include first aid, highland dance, maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Music Proficiency Level – Pipes and Drums Level Two, be 14–15 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Three / Silver Star / Proficiency Level Three.

Pipe Band – Advanced Musician

The Pipe Band – Advanced Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in advanced music training and pipe band activities, to prepare them to lead and instruct corps’ music programs. Activities include highland dance, music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, performing ensemble music as a member of a band, leadership, and instructional technique. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Music Proficiency Level – Pipes and Drums Level Three, be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Four / Gold Star / Proficiency Level Four.

2. Specific Courses Available to Air Cadets Only

General Training — 2 Weeks

The General Training Course provides cadets who have recently joined the Cadet Program an introductory summer training experience where they will participate in a variety of activities from each specialty, to include Drill and Ceremonial, Music, Marksmanship, Aviation, Aerodrome Operations, Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance, Aerospace, and Aircrew Survival. Cadets applying for this course should have successfully completed Proficiency Level One.

Basic Aviation — 3 Weeks

The Basic Aviation Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the fundamentals of aviation. Activities include radio communication, a familiarization flight, meteorology, and air navigation. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace — 3 Weeks

The Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the fundamentals of aerospace, airport operations and aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Activities include aerospace, aerodrome operations, and aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Advanced Aviation — 3 Weeks

The Advanced Aviation Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aviation activities within the Air Cadet Program. Activities include instructional technique, radio communication, meteorology, and air navigation. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Basic Drill and Ceremonial (Air) — 3 Weeks

The Basic Drill and Ceremonial (Air) Course provides cadets an opportunity to build on drill learned at the squadron, participate in advanced drill and ceremonial activities, and to develop leadership skills and knowledge; while performing the role of a team leader. Activities include commanding a squad on parade, drill with arms, flag drill, and marksmanship training. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Leadership and Ceremonial Instructor — 6 Weeks

The Leadership and Ceremonial Instructor course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to become an instructor and team leader during drill and ceremonial activities. Activities include advanced drill, instructional techniques and leadership. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Basic Survival — 3 Weeks

The Basic Survival Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop aircrew survival skills. Activities include field training, navigation and ground search and rescue. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Survival Instructor — 6 Weeks

The Survival Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aircrew survival activities within the Air Cadet Program. Activities include instructional technique, first aid, survival and field training, and ground navigation. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Here is an extended 30-minute documentary on the life of a cadet at summer camp in Blackdown CTC!

3. National Courses

Airport Operations — 6 Weeks

This six-week national course is designed to further develop instructional ability in technical skills as well as introduce background knowledge required in the airport operations field. The aim of the AATC-AO is to introduce cadets to programming specific to airport operations. The aim will be accomplished through practical, hands-on learning modules that will reinforce theoretical notions. By establishing a dynamic learning environment and exposing the cadets to a variety of airport operations, they will be inspired to further pursue learning in this program area.

Aircraft Maintenance — 6 Weeks

This six-week national course is designed to further develop instructional ability in technical skills as well as introduce background knowledge required in the aircraft maintenance field. The aim of the AATC-AM is to introduce cadets to aircraft construction and maintenance. The aim will be accomplished through practical, hands-on learning modules that will reinforce theoretical notions. By establishing a dynamic learning environment and exposing the cadets to a variety of aircraft construction and maintenance functions, they will be inspired to further pursue learning in this program area.

Advanced Aerospace — 6 Weeks

The aim of this six-week course is to develop a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aerospace activities within the Air Cadet program. This aim will be accomplished through the development of knowledge and skills relevant to various aspects of aerospace science and technology, and by providing ample opportunity for practical application within the format of a simulated space mission project. Candidates should show interest and ability for mathematics and physics

Glider Pilot Scholarship (GPS) — 6 Weeks

The GPS is an intensive program of ground school and in-flight glider pilot training. Cadets who successfully complete a flight test and Transport Canada written exam qualify for a Glider Pilot Licence and are awarded Air Cadet Glider Pilot Wings. The GPS includes daily intensive physical exertion, such as running and pushing gliders. Cadets should be prepared accordingly.

Power Pilot Scholarship (PPS) — 7 Weeks

The PPS is an intensive program of ground school and in-flight pilot training. Cadets who successfully complete a Transport Canada written exam and flight test qualify for a Private Pilot Licence and are awarded Air Cadet Pilot Wings.

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) — 2 Weeks

The purpose of the IACE is to promote friendship and goodwill among Air Cadets, to encourage participants to develop an interest in international affairs and to reward those Air cadets who have rendered outstanding services to their squadrons over a period of years. The IACE is intended only for outstanding senior cadets who will represent Canada with distinction. Exchange cadets visit air bases, centres of industry, world landmarks, universities, cultural centres and museums, plus they experience private hospitality with families in their own homes.

Host countries include: Australia, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, and the USA. (Subject to change due to availability)