103 THUNDERBIRD SQUADRON ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS
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Summer Training 2023

Summer training offers an opportunity for cadets to travel to new areas and meet other cadets, while learning skills for personal development. Courses available for application are primarily based on the cadets completed training level, by the end of the training year.
Opportunities include virtual training, the locally delivered Cadet Activities Program, several courses delivered at Cadet Training Centres across Canada, employment as a staff cadet, and pilot training scholarships. These programs and courses range from 5 days, up to 7 weeks in duration. They are designed to be fun and challenging, while encouraging the cadet’s professional development. The Cadets are certain to have an engaging and rewarding summer at any of the locations they may end up.
The following items are the prerequisites common to all training courses:
  1. Have a complete annual validation on file;
  2. Have their medical conditions validated on file;
  3. Must be recommended by their Corps/Sqn CO;
  4. Meet level training requirement by Jun 30;
  5. Cadet must have no participation limitations that would preclude them from participating in the training of the course.
Some courses may have additional requirements for eligibility, check with your unit staff for more information. Information accurate at time of distribution, subject to change.

Cadets and parents should be aware that medical/participation limitations (including allergies and asthma), or incomplete personal or medical information on file, may prevent or limit selection for CTC courses. Not all cadets will get the opportunity to attend summer training.

To apply, submit an application form! The deadline for squadron applications is 13 April, but earlier applications are preferred.


Cadet Activity Program Opportunities

Cadet Activity Program (CAP) is a decentralized summer opportunity that augments the squadron program for all Level 1 & 2 Cadets. Experiential citizenship, fitness, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Familiarization activities offered will leverage nearby CAF and community facilities to provide an elevated experience linked to the Cadet Program aims and objectives.

CAP is designed for first- and second-year cadets to participate in local, fun, and interactive community-based activities alongside other sea, army, and air cadets.

Activities will vary based on available community resources and include:
  • Fitness Activities
  • Drill & Leadership
  • Community Tours
  • Marksmanship
  • Canadian Armed Forces Engagement Opportunities
For non-overnight locations, cadets are expected be dropped-off and picked-up by parents or guardians daily.

LEVEL ONE CADETS: Cadet Activity Program - 1 (CAP-1)
CAP-1: 12–13-year-olds. 5 days of activities with focus on general cadet knowledge and partake in activities within the local community.

LEVEL TWO CADETS: Cadet Activity Program - 2 (CAP-2)
CAP-2: 13-14-year-olds. 9 days of training activities with an overnight outdoor field training exercise (FTX) portion consisting of 4 days (3 nights). There will be opportunities to achieve cadet qualifications, including marksmanship and fitness.

Summer Digital Learning Courses

The Digital Learning Center courses are conducted virtually using Cadets365 and enable the cadet to participate in summer training from their local area or home. Cadets will need at a minimum a reliable internet connection and a laptop/tablet device capable of virtual meetings or assignments.

LEVEL THREE CADETS


Cadet Administration and Supply Assistant (CASA)

The aim of this two-week course is to develop a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an administrative and supply assistant at the Corps, during regionally directed activities, and/or as a staff cadet at a CAP/CTC. The aim of this course will be accomplished by providing dynamic and challenging training that includes opportunity for practical application. The cadets will learn the theoretical and technical skills required to assist the Corps Administration and Supply Officers.

Cadet Correspondent

The Cadet Correspondent course is a 5-session course where the cadets learn the basics of supporting Public Affairs. The modules include how to effectively use social media, take a great photo, and become a storyteller of the corps/squadron. The cadet will need a device to capture imagery for use during the course.

Cadet Cyber Training Course

The Cadet Cyber Training Course will be conducted over the course of 2 weeks. Cadets will be immersed into the work of Cyber Security, learning, and securing multi-platform operating systems (Windows and Ubuntu) and interact with CAF/COATS Cyber Educators. Training provided will help cadets develop the Cyber Defence skills required to compete in an online competition with other groups from across the world at the end of the course. Successful participants will acquire the skill set to lead and support cadets in virtual and cyber activities within the CCO.

Cadet Training Centre Courses


LEVEL THREE CADETS

Advanced Aviation (AA) Course
This four-week course (one-week distributed learning and three weeks in-person) 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 technique, aviation communication and meteorology. Prerequisites: Must be medically and physically fit, have completed Proficiency Level Three training by 30 Jun, and be motivated to pursue flying training.


Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor (ARMI) Course
The aim of this four-week course (one-week distributed learning and three weeks in-person) is to develop individual air rifle marksmanship and summer biathlon specialty skills while reinforcing and further developing the leadership and instructional techniques skills preparing the cadets to support these two specialty activities at the Corps, during regionally directed activities and/or as a staff cadet at a CAP/CTC. The cadet will be provided with the necessary theoretical, technical, and practical skills required to monitor and instruct other cadets during marksmanship training at the Corps.


Music Course - Military Band (MB)
The aim of this four-week course (one week distributed learning and three weeks in-person) Course is to raise the cadet’s musical skills to the standard of the next music proficiency level. This training is to develop the music proficiency of cadets and prepare them to support their Corps bands and related music activities. During this course, instruction is also given in instrument maintenance & repair and other music-related skills, while the more senior levels also learn some Instructional Techniques relating to music. Note: To improve music proficiency level, cadets may undertake this course more than once.

Drill & Ceremonial Instructor (DCI) Course
The aim of this four-week course (one-week distributed learning and three weeks in person)
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.



Fitness and Sports Instructor (FSI) Course
The aim of this four-week course (one-week distributed learning and three weeks in person)
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. Cadets attending this course will also have an opportunity to progress in their Cadet Fitness Assessment Incentive Level.



Survival Instructor (SI) Course
The aim of this four-week course (one-week distributed learning and three weeks in person) 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.

Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC)
This is a six- or seven-week training program that results in successful candidates
graduating with their Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence. Prerequisites: Cadets applying for the Glider Pilot

Training Course must be 16 years old by September 1st of the year the course is taken, must successfully complete Proficiency Level Three by the end of the training year, applicants are required to pass a qualifying exam conducted and administered by the Air Cadet National Ground School, must have completed Grade 9 or equivalent (Secondary 3 in Quebec and Senior 1 in Manitoba) by the nomination deadline, must obtain a valid Category 3 Medical Certificate from Transport Canada, and must meet the minimum and maximum height and weight limitations. Further details can be found in CJCR Gp O 8060-7 – Air Cadet National Summer Training Course Selection Process.
Height and weight restrictions apply:
Height - mini
mum 5’0”/162.4 cm, maximum 6’3”/190.5 cm;
Weight - minimum 90 lbs/40.82 kg maximum 200 lbs/90.72 kg;

LEVEL FOUR & FIVE CADETS


Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC)
The Power Pilot Training Course is a seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Power Pilot Licence.
Prerequisites: Cadets applying for the Power Pilot Training Course must be 17 years old by September 1st of the year the course is taken, must successfully complete Proficiency Level Four by the end of the training year, applicants are required to pass a qualifying exam conducted and administered by the Air Cadet National Ground School, must have completed Grade 10 or equivalent (Secondary 4 in Quebec and Senior 2 in Manitoba) by the nomination deadline, must obtain a valid Category 3 Medical Certificate from Transport Canada, and must meet the maximum weight limitations. Further details can be found in CJCR Gp O 8060-7
– Air Cadet National Summer Training Course Selection Process.
Weight restrictions apply:
Weight - maximum 245 lbs/111.13 kg;


INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE (UK, US) and Civil Air Patrol Cadet Officer School (US)
Additional Prerequisites: Cadet must be 17 years of age prior to exchange start date, but not older than 18 before exchange end date. Cadets must have a valid passport that is not expiring within 6 months of return date, and must be level 5 qualified. Further details can be found in CJCR Gp O 8060-7 – Air Cadet National Summer Training Course Selection Process.

Staff Cadet Positions

Staff cadet candidates must have achieved level 4.

Staff Cadet - IT-SMC OJT
As an IT-SMC Staff Cadet you will receive on-the-job training to assist and support the summer Cadet training program with information technology needs.
Additional Prerequisites:
  1. Cadet must be 16 years of age prior to serial start date
  2. Cadet must have an interest in information technology

Staff Cadet
– CTC & CAP
Ranging between one and seven weeks, staff cadets are the Non-Commissioned Officers of the Summer CAP sites and CTCs. A staff cadet can assist the officer staff with the instruction and supervision of cadets or may be tasked in an administrative or logistical support role. Rank and pay for staff cadets depend upon the position; this is usually determined during a pre-course training and evaluation period.
Additional Prerequisites:
Cadet must be 16 years of age prior to serial start date

Staff Cadet - National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC)
An in-person opportunity hosted by the Commander Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers (CJCR) over a six- week training period. This working group will provide the opportunity for the Commander and senior staff at the headquarters to engage directly with a group of senior cadets from across the country on a variety of cadet program related topics.
Additional Prerequisites:
  1. Cadet must be 16 years of age prior to serial start date.
  2. Priority may be given to cadets who are bilingual in both official languages.
  3. Cadets applying for the NCAC must submit additional documents in support of their application: a letter of introduction from their Corps/Sqn CO (Commanding Officer), a letter of interest from the cadets applying, reflecting their cadet training experience, leadership experience and confirm their language proficiency in both official languages.

Summer Training Schedule

Serial No Course/Activity Format Location Start Date End Date
408503b Advanced Aviation Hybrid CTC GREENWOOD 2023-08-07 2023-08-25
438503 Advanced Aviation Hybrid COLD LAKE CTC 2023-07-17 2023-08-04
309303a Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Hybrid CTC ARGONAUT 2023-07-17 2023-08-03
369303 Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Hybrid VERNON CTC 2023-07-17 2023-08-04
CAP-1/PAC-LML/VAN Cadet Activity Program - Year One In-Person Centre RCSU(P) LML Area 2023-07-03 2023-07-07
CAP-2/PAC-LML/VAN Cadet Activity Program - Year Two In-Person Centre RCSU(P) LML Area 2023-08-16 2023-08-24
109EL105a2 Cadet Administration and Supply Assistant Virtual SDLC 2023-07-17 2023-07-28
109EL105b2 Cadet Administration and Supply Assistant Virtual SDLC 2023-07-31 2023-08-11
339NCAC Cadet Advisory Council (CAC) In-Person CTC CONNAUGHT 2023-06-26 2023-08-11
109EL101a2 Cadet Correspondent Course - eLearning Virtual SDLC 2023-07-17 2023-07-28
109EL101b2 Cadet Correspondent Course - eLearning Virtual SDLC 2023-07-31 2023-08-11
138875 Civil Air Patrol Cadet Officer School In-Person Centre Natl CJCR Sp Gp 2023-07-15 2023-07-31
109EL103a2 Cyber Training Course Virtual SDLC 2023-07-17 2023-07-28
109EL103b2 Cyber Training Course Virtual SDLC 2023-07-31 2023-08-11
369403 Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Hybrid VERNON CTC 2023-07-17 2023-08-04
409403b Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Hybrid CTC GREENWOOD 2023-08-07 2023-08-25
369203 Fitness and Sports Instructor Hybrid VERNON CTC 2023-07-17 2023-08-04
748513 Glider Pilot Training Course In-Person Centre RCSU Pacific 2023-07-10 2023-08-25
138919 International Air Cadet Exchange - United Kingdom In-Person Centre Natl CJCR Sp Gp 2023-07-13 2023-07-27
138920 International Air Cadet Exchange - United States of America In-Person Centre Natl CJCR Sp Gp 2023-07-13 2023-07-27
259103 Music Course (Mil Band) Hybrid HMCS QUADRA CTC 2023-07-17 2023-08-04
369103 Music Course (Mil Band) Hybrid VERNON CTC 2023-07-17 2023-08-04
748514 Power Pilot Training Course In-Person Centre RCSU Pacific 2023-07-10 2023-08-25
318703 Survival Instructor Hybrid VALC CTC 2023-07-25 2023-08-11
348703 Survival Instructor Hybrid CTC BLACKDOWN 2023-07-10 2023-07-28
438703 Survival Instructor Hybrid COLD LAKE CTC 2023-07-17 2023-08-04

Resources

  • Cadet Summer Training 2023 (Canada.ca)
  • Cadet Training Centre (CTC) Summer Courses 2023
  • Cadet Activity Programs Summer 2023
  • Cadet Summer Training 2023 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
103 Thunderbird Squadron © 2016
  • Home
  • Announcements
  • Join Us
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  • Cadets
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  • About
    • History
    • Meet the Staff
    • Sponsoring Committee
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  • FAQs
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