MANITOULIN—There are few activities for youth on Manitoulin Island that provide more opportunities than joining the Manitoulin Sea Cadet Corps. The Corps has launched a recruiting program that will include a Saturday, April 28 open house to be held at the Aundeck Omni Kaning Multi-use Complex.
The Manitoulin Sea Cadets Corps is open to all youth ages 12 to 18 years of age, and, in a civilian instructor capacity, parents or guardians can join in too.
“Flyers are going out to all of the Island schools,” confirmed Manitoulin Sea Cadet Commander Lt.(N) Maggie King. “The open house is for youth and their parents to come and find out what we have to offer.”
Lt. (N) King points out that the Sea Cadet program offers youth an opportunity to learn life skills that will prove to be an asset in any endeavour or career that they choose to follow through their lives.
“The program fosters independence, responsibility, promotes physical fitness and leadership, those are just some of the aims of the Sea Cadet program,” she said. “What they will learn at cadets are life lessons they will take with them for the rest of their lives.”
The opportunities to be found in the cadets include team sports, marksmanship, outstanding summer camp opportunities, international exchanges, sailing and much, much more.
“Everyone is welcome,” said Lt. (N) King. “If you can’t make it to the open house, youth and parents are always welcome to drop by the Little Current Public School any Monday evening between 6 pm and 9 pm, or you can call 705-603-0722 to learn more.”
If you are considering joining the Manitoulin Sea Cadet Corps, bring your health card and birth certificate along with you when you visit.
There are no registration fees and no added costs. The Department of Defence supplies uniforms and equipment, and the Manitoulin North Shore Navy League works to ensure that the opportunity of joining the cadets is free for all.
Parents may consider joining as civilian instructors. “We can always use more help,” said Lt. (N) King. “Parents can join the Navy League, or sign up to be CICs (civilian instructors).” All that is required is a willingness to assist the Sea Cadets and a vulnerable sector check with the OPP. “There is just a little more paperwork,” said Lt. (N) King.
