What if you were told that there was a dynamic, structured youth program that offered Canadian youth a variety of interesting and challenging activities?
What if you were told that this same program developed in youth an increased level of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-awareness?
Join Canada’s BEST youth organization today!
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets offers a dynamic and engaging program for youth age 12-18. Activities include, aviation, flying, music, sports, leadership, citizenship, and many more rewarding once in a lifetime opportunities for youth.
Cadets are motivated to improve their physical fitness, to work harder at their academic studies and to give back to their communities through volunteerism and citizenship activities.
The Cadet Program also has a direct impact on Canadian society as a whole. Cadets have the opportunity to take part in various leadership roles throughout the program. There is definite value in having well-rounded, community-minded, experienced young people who are ready to assume their places as tomorrow’s leaders and decision makers.
Application Process
Follow the 3 steps below to become a member in the best Canadian youth organization!
Step one
STEP TWO
STEP THREE
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join?
Show up to our local headquarters (LHQ) on most Wednesday nights between September to June between 7pm and 9pm to receive more information about our exciting program. Check out our calendar to make sure that we're parading that night.
You will be given an application package (online version below) and a tour of some of our squadron activities. Bring your health card and birth certificate when you arrive and you’ll be on your way to enrolling in Canada’s best youth organization. To ensure a prompt enrolment process, you are strongly encouraged to complete the below application package and bring it with you on your visit to the squadron.
Who can join?
To be eligible as a cadet, one must:
- be a legal resident of Canada; NOTE: A legal resident of Canada is a Canadian citizen, a landed immigrant, or, the dependant of a person who is lawfully residing in Canada on a temporary basis for the purpose of education or employment. provide proof of provincial health insurance coverage or equivalent;
- be at least 12 years of age;
- not have attained 19 years of age;
- normally be in good physical condition;
- not belong to another corps or squadron; and
- be acceptable to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the cadet corps or squadron.
How much does it cost?
The Cadet Program is funded by the Department of National Defence in partnership with the civilian Navy League, Army Cadet League and Air Cadet League of Canada. The civilian sponsor requires local community support to meet its obligations that include accommodations, training aids and equipment, and program enhancements not otherwise provided. Parents and Cadets are expected to participate in and contribute to fundraising as required by the League’s local sponsoring element. Cadets of 330 Squadron are expected to pay an annual $75 administration fee to help raise funds to cover the costs of some of these activities.
Are there summer camps?
Summer courses are a very big part of Air Cadets, and are run every year in July and August. There are many different courses ranging from 2 to 7 weeks. Cadets are not required to attend the courses, but it is highly recommended. Cadets can take everything from basic cadet courses to advanced technical training, and from leadership courses to aerospace studies, and make great friends from all over Canada in the process! Summer courses are free, and eventually an experienced cadet can apply for staff positions for summer courses, and get pay equivalent to a full-time summer job.
Can I get my pilot's licence?
Yes! Air Cadets offers two Transport Canada Pilot licenses: the Glider Pilot License (GPL) and the Private Pilot License (PPL). Scholarships are offered to air cadets in order for them to get their pilot licenses at various flight schools around the province. The licenses are free through Air Cadets (the GPL normally costs $2000, while PPL normally costs around $10000), cadets just have to pay with their dedication and hard work in the squadron.
During the year, cadets with a glider license can fly at various cadet gliding centres around the province during weekends, and scholarships are offered to pay for continued flying when some cadets retire. Air cadets is one of the largest youth flight training programs in the world, and in fact, over 60 percent of Canada's airline pilots got their start in Air Cadets.No. One of the three objectives of the Air Cadet program is to expose cadets to the activities of the Royal Canadian Air Force, however, the program is not an avenue for recruiting for the Canadian Armed Forces (learn more about what we do here). Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces and they will never be asked to join.
Do I have to join the military?
No. One of the three objectives of the Air Cadet program is to expose cadets to the activities of the Royal Canadian Air Force, however, the program is not an avenue for recruiting for the Canadian Armed Forces (learn more about what we do here). Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces and they will never be asked to join.
Cadets who do choose to join the military will have a great advantage over other applicants (many members of the Canadian Armed Forces started off in the cadet program—including Canadian astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield!).
Anything else I need to know?
Yes, of course! All recruits need to come wearing a white dress shirt, black tie and black pants, with black dress shoes. We understand that not all recruits own black dress shoes, so an alternative all black shoe is acceptable.
Additionally, a notepad, pen and/or pencil is also really good to have. There's a lot to learn, and we can't expect a new recruit to memorize everything they are told.