Imagine your fourteen-year-old is not clueless about how to do the laundry or apply a tourniquet. Imagine her ironing sharp creases in her uniform as she prepares to fly a glider, survive in the wilderness or deliver a speech with confidence. Sound unlikely? Squamish’s own 835 Griffin Air Cadet Squadron will soon host its annual membership drive and organizers say the squadron is ready to transform pre-teens into confident, skilled and independent leaders.
Jennifer Underwood praises the organization for the effect it has had on her daughter, Cpl. Corianna Underwood, who she said is more organized and self-motivated since joining air cadets in 2014. “She has been gliding and flying and will have an opportunity to earn her pilot’s licence by the time she is 19 yrs old,” said the approving mother.
“Potentially, it’s a free pilot’s licence,” Capt. Angela Sargent explains. On average, getting your pilot’s licence can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000. Government funding means that the organization is able to offer opportunities such as flying lessons and time at Camp Summit that might otherwise be financially inaccessible. Participation costs are low, and the organization’s leaders say no interested member will be turned away for financial reasons.
Air cadets were established to train young Canadian men for the Second World War. Sargent, the commanding officer, remarks that the organization has changed vastly since its inception in 1940. It is now a government-funded community organization that offers young men and women the chance to fly and practise self-discipline, without any obligation to enlist in the military.
The club honours its military roots with a brass band, hospital corners and polished boots and aims “to turn out good citizens,” says Sargent.
“I think a lot of teens might think that cadets is all about uniforms, drill and discipline, and of course that’s part of it, but there are so many fun programs and activities in cadets that go with it,” offers Warrant Officer Second Class Callista Ryan, who joined the organization at the age of 12. “I was definitely an enthusiastic kid and very energetic before cadets, but joining cadets helped me organize and direct that energy into leadership and volunteering. I have also grown up more confident and am able to take on more responsibility,” says Ryan.
This year, the Squamish squadron has changed its venue following a partnership with the Railway Heritage Park. The club will now host its weekly Tuesday parade nights at the railway park, which thrills Sargent: “Our cadets will be parading next to the Royal Hudson.”
Guests are welcome to observe on parade nights.
Registration for the upcoming year will take place at the Railway Heritage Museum on Tuesday (Sept. 8) from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Those unable to attend registration night can join the 835 Griffin Air Cadet Squadron at any time by contacting Sargent at 604-313-4321 or angela [email protected].
