From​ the formation commander:

Since my announcement on 15 April that cancelled all in-person activities until 31 August 2020, the leadership throughout the cadet program has fielded a number of concerns especially as it pertains to some of the most senior courses that are offered within the cadet program.
My staff and I have been analyzing courses of action across the cadet portfolio. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of viable options when we consider physical distancing protocols, the fast approaching summer timeline and associated federal government guidelines and policies regarding contracts.
We are living in unprecedented times and, like all Canadians, we all must adapt to the changing environment and, although difficult, we need to accept the impact it has had on our lives.
We do not yet know what the future will hold, and I appreciate your understanding as we all move through this difficult journey together, dealing with this new normal. However, my primary concern remains unchanged; safety of all youth and staff is paramount, and the cadet and Junior Canadian Ranger programs will not become a transmission vector of the COVID-19 virus.
As such, all in-person activities remain cancelled until end August 2020. During this time, we are focusing our efforts on engaging cadets and staff virtually. I hope you have enjoyed the “Stay at Home Challenges”, as well as both the Cadet and Adult online learning portals. I am also quite impressed with everyone’s imagination and priority on keeping connected with fellow cadets and corps/sqn staff.
I know that many of you who were accepted for senior courses have some concerns regarding the future, in particular those chosen for flying courses, exchanges and senior training opportunities. After careful and thorough analysis, the options available for this summer are extremely limited, and very uncertain for the summer of 2021. The fact remains that we still do not know how long we will be operating in a COVID-19 environment, and what impact it may have on future Cadet training opportunities. I am therefore, for the majority, unable to offer priority standing or alternative activities for those who may have already received course offers for summer 2020. In case of rare exceptions, you will be receiving notification from your Regional Cadet Support Unit on what may be possible.
This summer, we will focus effort on exploring online training options and experiences, and studying ways to improve the cadet program for the future. There may be some areas where we could act earlier while others will require longer term to mature. We continue to explore options.
Going forward, we are analyzing how we are going to operate in a COVID environment for the Cadet training year commencing in September 2020, and adapting the program, where necessary, virtually and through limited in-person activities when conditions will permit.
One of our main concerns during this pause is the sustainability of the cadet program throughout this COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We will be looking closely at force generation aspects revolving around key components such as the Air Cadet Flying Program, sailing and marksmanship to name a few.
As you know, the Cadet Program aims to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promoting physical fitness and stimulating the interest of youth in the Sea, Army and Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. These core principles will continue to be preserved, but the approach used may look a bit different from what we were used to prior to the arrival of COVID-19. Flexibility will be key.
Rest assured that we are always looking for opportunities both now and, in the future, to enhance the cadet experience you enjoy. Please note, if employment or online training opportunities do arise, we will notify you as soon as possible. I do ask though for your patience and understanding.
We are in this together. Be safe everyone.

Everyone has been baking up a storm during the COVID-19 lock-in. Share your favourite recipe with us, sweet or savoury. If it has a story attached, maybe it came from your grandmother or you all made it as a family, do share the story too! Post it on social media tagged with #103bakes, upload it to the squadron Slack, or send it to: contact@103air.com

Here is Capt Sargent's contribution:

Scone Recipe
This is a recipe my family have used for generations and is quintessentially British. My recipe is by weight, but this is converted into Canadian measurements for my friends.

Preheat oven to 425F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup raisins or currants or cranberries or…. any dried fruit
• 1 egg beaten and mixed with ¾ cup milk (save a little for brushing)

Method:

• Sift the flour into a bowl with the baking powder and salt.
• Rub in the butter until the mix looks a bit like breadcrumbs.
• Stir in the dried fruit.
• Using a round ended knife, divide the mix into four quarters in the bowl, add a little egg and milk mix to each quarter and mix the dough by pressing it to the side of the bowl. (This is the same way you mix pastry.) Do each quarter in turn until the dough is soft but not wet and sticky to the touch. Save a little of the egg and milk mix.
• When each quarter is done, use your hands to mould them all together and make a ball.
• Lightly dust the work surface with flour and roll out the dough to 2 cm thick. Using a cookie cutter cut rounds and place on to the lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with the last of the egg and milk mix
• Bake at 425F for 15 mins or until golden brown and springy to the touch.
• Enjoy warm, split and spread with butter and jam.

Last month we asked you to work on your boots to get the best possible shine. Now it's time to show us how you're doing!
​Share your shine by posting a photo of the progress you're making on your boots on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the squadron Slack or by email to contact@103air.com! Tag the squadron account and use #103boots on social media.

Today the new cadet learning portal was announced as part of ongoing engagement activities. Check it out!