How To Join

Early in the fall (Sept-Nov) is the perfect time to join cadets so that you are progressing at the same pace with the rest of your peers and able to participate in all training activities.

We meet from 6:30PM to approx 9PM, but ideally you'll want to be there when we get underway at 6:45 so you can watch what goes on, ask questions of the officers and other cadets and see if it's the right fit for you.

If you decide you want to join us, there are some registration forms that need to be filled out with a parent or guardian. At time of registration you will need to bring government ID for the cadet signing up as well as their Health Card. You can also start the application process ands search for the Army Cadet unit nearest you, on the DND webpage. If you'd like to contact us in advance with any questions you can email us.

While joining Army Cadets is a lot of fun and a great new challenge and a valuable learning experience, it is also a commitment and attendance is an important factor in your progress. School and important family obligations will always come first, but we highly encourage regular attendance as a key to your success and momentum within the cadet program.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions taken from The Army Cadet League website that might provide you with some answers to get started:

Q: What is the purpose of Cadets?
A: Cadets form a national organization whose purpose is to develop in youth the attributes of leadership, engaged and active citizenship and physical fitness, all within an environment that stimulates an interest in the Canadian Forces.

Q: Why should I join Cadets? 
A: Cadets offer you challenges, friendship and adventure! It's an opportunity to expand your own horizons, contribute to your community and make friends for life. Many former Cadets credit their participation in the program with giving them a head-start toward their successful careers. Did you know that astronaut Chris Hadfield, Olympic biathlon gold medallist Myriam Bédard and actor Jim Carrey were all Cadets in their teens?

Q: What do Cadets do?
A: Cadets are teenagers like you who take part in activities at a Cadet Corps within their local community. These activities are designed to help you to become more self-confident, to develop your leadership skills, to improve your physical fitness and communication skills, and to teach you self-discipline through challenging training.

Q: When do Cadets meet?
A: Cadets usually meet once a week and some weekends throughout the school year. Our unit meets on Wednesdays from September to June.

Q: Will Cadet training affect my schoolwork? 
A: Education is very important to Cadets and school should always come first. Cadet training is a hands-on, activity-based program that should complement your school studies. In fact, some provincial and territorial education boards accept Cadet subjects for school credits. As well, there are several scholarships available through Cadets.

Q: How old do I have to be to join Cadets?
A: You can join as soon as you've reached your twelfth birthday and you can remain until you turn 19.

Q: What do I need to join?
A: All you need to join is an interest in the program and your parent's/guardian's permission. A completed application form, Government ID and Health Card. You also have to be willing to attend regular meetings.

Q: What does it cost to join?
A: There is no enrollment fee to join the cadet program. However, cadets may be asked to take part in fundraising activities that support optional programming in which their corps participates.

Q: Do I have to buy my own uniform?
A: No. The Canadian Forces loan complete uniforms to Cadets, and Cadets are expected to take good care of their uniform. Once a cadet leaves the program, we ask that they uniform be washed and returned to the Corps.

Q: If I don't pay to join Cadets, then who pays? 
A: The two major partners in the Army Cadet program are the Department of National Defence and the Army Cadet League of Canada (a civilian non-profit corporation). These two organizations work together to provide the facilities and material required to operate each Army Cadet Corps.

Q: What will I do at weekly meetings? 
A: Some of the activities you can expect at your Cadet Corps include ceremonial drill, first aid, sports, and citizenship events that support your community. Many Corps even have a music program. Occasional weekend activities include biathlon, camping, map & compass and marksmanship. There will also be plenty of time to have fun and make new friends!

Q: What about summer training courses?
A: Senior Cadets have Summer Training opportunities located across Canada. Cadets who have completed 3+ years may apply to camp. Summer Training Courses can last from two to eight weeks on a variety of courses. Each Course offers a unique mixture of outdoor activities and valuable instruction. Those Senior Cadets that have been selected to attend a Summer Training Opportunity, attend for free. The Canadian Forces provide all transportation, meals, lodging and special equipment. Senior Cadets also have the opportunity to work at a Cadet Training Centre during the summer months as a Staff Cadet, where they are able to be paid for their work. Applications for Summer Training are normally due end of January/beginning of February. Cadets who have been selected for Summer Training will be notified in May.

Q: What do I do at summer training?
A: Courses offered at Cadet Training Centres include training in Drill and Ceremonial, Marksmanship, Fitness and Sports, Band, and Expedition. Advanced Courses are available in Mountain Biking, Expedition Team Leader, Fitness and Sports Instructor, Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor and the Basic Parachutist Course.

Q: Are there travel opportunities? 
A: Definitely! For summer training, Senior Cadets may travel to one of several Cadet Training Centres located in different parts of Canada. In addition, a select number of Senior Cadets can apply for an International Exchange under an international exchange program. Exchange Cadets are selected on their high standards in performance, fitness and involvement in Cadet activities.

Q: Who instructs Cadets? 
A: Cadets learn from members of the Cadet Instructors Cadre, officers who are specially trained to instruct and supervise youth. In some cases, civilian volunteers who possess special skills are called in to assist Cadet Instructors. Both the Cadet Instructors and civilian volunteers have chosen to dedicate their valuable time to helping Cadets reach their potential.

Q: Will I be expected to join the Canadian Forces?
A: No. Cadets make absolutely no commitments regarding future military service, and are free to leave at any time. However, those who decide to join the Forces later on start out with the advantage of having learned valuable skills through Cadets