Summer Camps

In addition to the regular training program, there are a variety of camps provided during the summer break that the cadets can apply for depending on what point they have reached in their training program.

The military provides the transportation to such camps as well as the accommodations, food, and activities throughout the duration of the camp. These camps range from 2-6 weeks in duration.

The junior camps include:

General Training (2 wks)
Basic Leadership (3 wks)
Basic Aviation (3 wks)
Basic Fitness and Sports (3 wks)
Basic Survival (3 wks)
Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace (3 wks)
Military Band Basic Musician (3 wks)
Pipe Band Basic Musician (3 wks)
Introduction to Rifle Coaching (3 wks)
Introduction to Aerospace (3 wks)
Oshkosh Trip (2 wks)

Some of the camps are run at the regional level whereas others are run at the national level. In all cases, cadets get to meet cadets from other squadrons either locally, regionally, or nationally, and many friendships are formed.

All of the camps have certain criteria that must be met before the cadet may apply. Each squadron has a set number of spots allowed for each of the camps. Once the cadets are eligible to apply, there is a selection at the squadron level to determine who the squadron will submit. This selection is merit based so the cadets who apply themselves and actively participate in the program stand the greatest chance of being selected.

With the senior camps, the number of spots are very limited so there are competitions at the regional and/or national level as well as at the squadron level to select the top candidates. Due to the length of the application and selection process, these camps must be applied for well in advance (usually in Oct). These camps include:

Survival Instructor (6 wks)
Athletic Instructor (6 wks)
Advanced Aviation Technology (6 wks)
Music Levels 1-5 (6 wks)
Pipes & Drums Levels 1-5 (6 wks)
Glider Pilot Scholarship (6 wks)
Power Pilot Scholarship (7 wks)
International Air Cadet Exchange (2-3 wks)
Advance Training Staff Cadet (7+ wks)

In addition to all of the food, transportation, lodging, and training provided, all camp participants receive a token weekly salary while at camp.

Many senior cadets also have opportunities to work at camp for the summer as part of the staff. As with participation in the camps, the staff cadets receive transportation, food, and accommodations for the duration of the time that they are at camp. This provides them with additional opportunities to apply their skills and hone their leadership abilities and provides a reasonable salary to go with it.

More details on these camp may be found at the Eastern Region website’s summer camps.