Summer Training
Cadet summer training offers a variety of exciting and dynamic multi-week, offsite courses to build specific skill sets while giving participants the chance to make lifelong friends and memories. Browse this page to learn how cadets are selected and what training is available.
How to get selected
Cadets are selected to attend summer training based on attendance, behaviour and other attributes demonstrated throughout the cadet training year. You must have been a cadet prior to 31 March in order to be considered for summer training.
Application deadlines
Applications are due for the summer training year as follows:
- Common courses: End of January
- Summer staffing positions: Mid-January
- Air cadet courses: Beginning of December
When applying, all cadets above Proficiency Level One will have the opportunity to rank a first, second and third choice.
Common courses
Training is carried out at locations throughout the province and beyond, primarily at sites referred to as Cadet Training Centres (CTCs).
Introduction to Marksmanship (ITM)
Training centres: Argonaut CTC, Blackdown CTC, Valcartier CTC, Vernon CTC
Duration: 2 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Two
The Introduction to Marksmanship course enables cadets to acquire specialized skills and knowledge in marksmanship, facilitating their participation in zone and regional marksmanship competitions. It equips them to mentor junior cadets in marksmanship while advancing the skills learned in the program.
Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor (ARMI)
Training centres: Argonaut CTC, Blackdown CTC, Valcartier CTC, Vernon CTC, Whitehorse CTC
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Three
The Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor course provides cadets an opportunity to further personal marksmanship knowledge and skills, and develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of an Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor. Activities include marksmanship techniques, instructional techniques, and coaching. Cadets attending this course will also have an opportunity to progress in their marksmanship level qualification.
Introduction to Drill & Ceremonial (ITDC)
Training centre: Argonaut CTC, Blackdown CTC, Rocky Mountain CTC, Valcartier CTC, Vernon CTC
Duration: 2 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Two
The Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial course engages cadets with the chance to enhance their leadership abilities and deepen their knowledge and skills in drill and ceremonial practices acquired in the program.
Drill & Ceremonial Instructor Course (DCI)
Training centres: Argonaut CTC, Blackdown CTC, Rocky Mountain CTC, Valcartier CTC, Vernon CTC
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Three
The Drill and Ceremonial Instructor course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of a Drill and Ceremonial Instructor. Activities include advanced drill, instructional techniques and leadership in the conducting of parades and ceremonies.
Introduction to Fitness & Sports (ITFS)
Training centres: Blackdown CTC, Cold Lake CTC, Greenwood CTC, Valcartier CTC, Vernon CTC
Duration: 2 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Two
The Introduction to Fitness and Sports course offers cadets a chance to refine skills acquired in the Corps / Squadron Program, aiding in fitness and sports training within the Corps / Squadron Program. Additionally, participants learn about embracing a healthy lifestyle.
Fitness & Sports Instructor Course (FSI)
Training centres: Blackdown CTC, Greenwood CTC, Valcartier CTC, Vernon CTC, Whitehorse CTC
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Three
The Fitness and Sports Instructor course provides cadets an opportunity to further personal fitness and healthy living knowledge and skills, and develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of a Fitness and Sports Instructor. Activities include personal fitness, healthy living, conducting the Cadet Fitness Assessment, and leading physical activities.
Introduction to Military Band (ITMB)
Training centres: Argonaut CTC, Blackdown CTC, HMCS Quadra VTC, Valcartier CTC
Duration: 2 weeks
Prerequisites: Proficiency Level Two
The Introduction to Military Band course allows cadets to continue honing their understanding and proficiency in music, drill, ceremonial practices, and leadership skills acquired through the corps / squadron program or regional activities.
Military Band Musician (MB)
Training centres: Argonaut CTC, Blackdown CTC (Borden, ON), HMCS Quadra CTC, Valcartier CTC
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisites: Proficiency Level Three, Music Proficiency Level Two
The Military Band Musician course provides cadets an opportunity to develop music skills to support participation in and / or leading corps / squadron military bands. Activities include music training and band activities such as music theory, music technique, band drill, leadership and performing ensemble music. Cadets attending this course will also have the opportunity to progress in their music proficiency level qualifications.
Introduction to Pipe Band (ITPB)
Training centre: Blackdown CTC, Rocky Mountain CTC
Duration: 2 weeks
Prerequisites: Proficiency Level Two
The Introduction to Pipe Band course allows cadets to continue honing their understanding and proficiency in music, drill, ceremonial practices, and leadership skills acquired through the corps / squadron program or regional activities.
Pipe Band Musician (PB)
Training centre: Blackdown CTC, Rocky Mountain CTC
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisites: Proficiency Level Three, Music Proficiency Pipes and Drums Level Two
The Pipe Band Musician course provides cadets an opportunity to develop music skills to support participation in and / or leading corps / squadron pipe bands. Activities include music training and band activities such as music theory, music technique, band drill, leadership and performing pipe band music. Cadets attending this course will also have the opportunity to progress in their music proficiency level qualifications.
Air cadet courses
Air cadet courses are competitive opportunities requiring a rigorous application process. In addition to standard application criteria, these courses consider a cadet’s high school grades, extracurricular involvement, cadet career achievements and, in some cases, formal interviews. 246 Squadron has a proud history of successful applications for all of these courses, and will only nominate those cadets who meet the high standards required.
Aviation Technology & Aerospace (ATA)
Training centres: Bagotville CTC, Blackdown CTC, Cold Lake CTC, Greenwood CTC, HMCS Quadra CTC
Duration: 2 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Two
The Aviation Technology and Aerospace course offers cadets the chance to lay the groundwork in aerospace studies, airport operations, and the principles of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Activities within this program encompass exploring aerospace concepts, learning about aerodrome operations, and gaining insight into aircraft manufacturing and maintenance processes.
Advanced Aviation (AA)
Training centre: Bagotville CTC, Blackdown CTC, Cold Lake CTC, Greenwood CTC, HMCS Quadra CTC
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Three
The Advanced Aviation course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aviation activities. Activities include instructional techniques, aviation communication, and meteorology.
Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC)
Training centres: St-Jean CTC, Trenton CTC
Duration: 6 or 7 weeks
Prerequisites:
- Proficiency Level Three
- Formal interview
- 16 years old by 1 September
- Grade 9 or equivalent
- 50% or greater on the Qualifying Exam
- Transport Canada Category 3 Medical Certificate
- Height minimum of 152.4cm (5’) and maximum of 190.5cm (6’3’’)
- Weight minimum of 40.82Kg (90lbs) and maximum of 90.72Kg (200lbs)
The Glider Pilot Training Course is a six- or seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Glider Pilot License.
Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC)
Training centres: TBA
Duration: 7 weeks
Prerequisite(s):
- Proficiency Level Four
- Formal interview
- 17 years old by 1 September
- Grade 10 or equivalent
- 50% or greater on the Qualifying Exam
- Transport Canada Category 3 Medical Certificate
- Weight maximum of 111.13Kg (245lbs)
The Power Pilot Training Course is a seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Power Pilot License.
Introduction to Survival (ITS)
Training centres: Argonaut CTC, Blackdown CTC, Cold Lake CTC, Valcartier CTC, Vernon CTC
Duration: 2 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Two
The Introduction to Survival course allows cadets to cultivate essential aircrew survival skills. Activities involve practical field training and navigation exercises to enhance survival proficiency.
Survival Instructor (SI)
Training centres: Argonaut CTC, Blackdown CTC, Cold Lake CTC, Valcartier CTC
Duration: 4 weeks
Prerequisite: Proficiency Level Three
The Survival Instructor course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to perform the duties of a Survival Instructor and team leader for aircrew survival activities. Activities include aircrew survival skills, team and solo survival exercises, aircrew survival exercise operations, instructional technique, and navigation by map and compass.
Courtesy of Canadian Cadet Organizations.
