FAQ

The Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO) manages the Cadet Program which includes the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Royal Canadian Army Cadets and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The Cadet Program is a national program for all young Canadians aged 12 to 18 who are interested in participating in a variety of fun, challenging and rewarding activities. These activities will encourage and help develop:

• physical fitness

• leadership skills

• engaged and active citizenship

• personal health and well-being

Many cadets are high achieving students that go on to become Canada’s future leaders. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in our youth and expanding the reach of the program. Through the Cadet Program, young Canadians can experience positive development opportunities and strengthen communities across Canada.

• Be at least 12 years old, and not older than 18;

• Legally reside in Canada;

• Have parental permission to join;

• Be medically, physically, and mentally able to participate in Cadet training; and.

• Be willing to commit to training as outlined below.

Cadets is NO COST. The program is funded by the Department of National Defence, with additional local fundraising coordinated by the Support Committee (the K-W Navy League) and local community organizations. It costs nothing to join, and all uniforms, travel expenses, food, lodging, training, and more is all included.

If you are 12-18, live in the K-W area or are willing to travel to this area, please see the steps below.

First, please visit this link to register:

https://registration.cadets.gc.ca/get-started.html?unitId=628

After that, a staff member with reach out within a few days with more information and your next steps.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at 94sea@cadets.gc.ca

The Cadet Program offers challenging experiences, friendships 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 for giving them a head-start in their career.

Did you know that Canadian astronauts Chris Hadfield, Marc Garneau and Jeremy Hansen are all former cadets? Many famous community leaders, athletes and celebrities are former cadets as well.

Accelerated training programs are available to get you caught up and placed with cadets of a similar age. Contact us to find out you can still have a successful and fulfilling cadet career.

No, the Cadet Program is not new. In fact, the Cadet Program is one of Canada’s oldest youth programs. The origins of the program can be traced back to 1862.

• In 1879 the Army Cadets was formed

• In 1895 the Sea Cadets was formed

• In 1941 the Air Cadets was formed

• In 1975 girls were allowed to join Cadets

Today, girls represent more than 30% of all cadets in Canada.

RCSCC Warspite has served the Region of Waterloo for over 80 years; since 1941.

As a cadet you are not a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, and you are not expected to join the military. While you are introduced to Sea, Army or Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and certain traditions, you are also introduced to many other career options outside of the CAF.

The safety and well-being of all cadets and other personnel in the Cadet Program is our top priority.

The Cadet Program offers many challenging activities to the Army, Sea and Air Cadets. All of these activities have some element of danger, and this risk is increased because of the young age of cadets. Cadet leadership and participants take every measure to reduce and eliminate dangerous situations. We place a high level of importance on making sure that all members of the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO) follow the General Safety Program.

Supervision

Commanding Officers are responsible for ensuring that all Corps or Squadron activities are appropriately supervised. All Reserve Force members other than members of the Cadet Instructors Cadre must successfully complete the screening process before becoming a Cadet Instructor.

Phase Training / Star Program / Proficiency Level Program

Each authorized cadet activity that is part of the Mandatory Training Program must have at least 1 paid Cadet Instructor or a paid Civilian Instructor. These instructors are responsible for the cadets and physically participate in the activity. This includes Phase Training for Sea Cadets, Star Program for Army Cadets, or Proficiency Level Program for Air Cadets.

Optional activities

All approved activities must be under the responsibility and supervision of a Cadet Instructor or paid Civilian Instructor. The Cadet Instructor can either be on paid service or be providing support without pay during the optional activity.

Day activities

For every 20 cadets there must be at least 1 adult supervisor of each gender, for mixed gender activities. This also includes day activities where no overnight accommodation is required, such as a tour or visit. If required, a senior cadet of the appropriate gender may assist in supervisory duties for this type of activity.

Overnight activities

There must be at least 1 adult supervisor of each gender, for all mixed gender activities. The minimum ratio for overnight activities is 1 adult supervisor for 15 cadets. There are separate sleeping accommodations for male and female cadets and staff.

The following are the safety standards for billets:

• In Canada, cadets will only be billeted in private residences where all adult residents have successfully completed the appropriate League screening process

• Cadets participating in international exchanges will only be billeted in private residences where all adult residents have been screened to the maximum extent allowed under the laws of the host country

• Cadets billeted in private residences will be provided with contact phone numbers where the officer in charge of the activity can be contacted at all times

There are a few ways to learn more:

You can visit Cadets - Canada.ca to learn more about the entire cadet program.

To learn more about our local Sea Cadet program, RCSCC Warspite:

You can call or text us directly at 519-505-2605 – Please leave a message.

You can email us at 94sea@cadets.gc.ca

Or, you can message us below with our live chat. A staff member will respond when they are able.