Timmins sea cadets held a recruitment drive for new members last night at the Cassidy Armoury in Timmins.
The organization officially known as Timmins Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp Tiger (RCSCC) is open to youth between the ages of 12 to 18.
Their partner organization, the Navy League of Canada, offers program for 9-12 year olds and is administered as an independent but affiliated organization.
“We recruit year round but especially from September to the end of February,” said Lt. Colonel Luke Charbonneau, the commander of the Timmins sea cadets.
“That’s so new cadets get in shape for our summer training program which runs from June to September,” Charbonneau explained.
Currently there are 25 members of the cadets and Charbonneau said he would like to see about 50 members, though there are no limits the number of members.
Membership is open to all who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
The cadets meet on Wednesday nights and work on developing skills in sailing, citizenship and leadership.
There is no cost to join, and uniforms are provided. All costs are covered by the Department of National Defense.
At the beginning of each Wednesday gathering the cadets perform the raising of the colours where the Canadian flag is raised.
Each session concludes with the sunset ceremony with the flag taken down.
The mission of the sea cadets is to instill in youth the qualities of good leadership and citizenship, promote a healthy, active lifestyle; and to promote interest in maritime affairs, and the Royal Canadian Navy.
During the summer, cadets undertake two weeks of basic training which includes sailing lessons where they can obtain certification through the Canadian Yachting Association and become sailing instructors.
Fitness is very important and cadets are trained in the biathlon, orientation, marksmanship (with air rifles) and seamanship.
“The first Wednesday we hold a parade inspection with cadets in full uniform,” Charbonneau said. “However, tonight we decided to hold a sports night so we can work off our holiday turkey dinners.”
Cadets are tested twice a year for fitness as part of the mandatory training program.
They also have a marching band
“We base our rules on the Canadian Army,” Charbonneau said. “The staff is part of the Canadian Army Reserve.”
Rules taken from the Canadian military include the respect and care of the uniform.
In early December a fire at Radcliff Airways Hangar resulted in the loss of training equipment used by the RCSCC Tigers and the NLCC including five sail boats and trailers.
Charbonneau said the two organizations have met to discuss how to replace the equipment, some of which was covered by insurance.
“Right now our main concern is for the health of Mal Radcliff,” Charbonneau said.
Radcliff, the owner of the hangar, was injured trying to put out the fire.
“We have met with the Navy League to discuss how to replace the boats and other equipment, so that programs can continue for their members,” said Charbonneau.
He explained that the equipment was used primarily by the young members of the Navy League.
The sea cadets training takes place on Lake Kamiskotia and for training they use boats brought up by the Sudbury sea cadet corps.
In addition to training, the sea cadets also emphasizes social aspects and holds film and music nights
“Joining the sea cadets provides a young person with a resume of life experiences that will be beneficial for post-secondary or the workforce,” said Charbonneau
“The opportunities for young people is endless.” He added.
