Bush Weekend (formally referred to as Field Training Exercise or FTX) is a major training period that is held outside of the regular Wednesday night training period.

We hold two  Bush Weekends per year, the first in Oct and the second in May. These are considered mandatory events as many training points (performance objectives) are performed during these exercises that can’t be done at any other time during the training year and are required to be able to advance to the next level of the program. If a cadet is unable to complete these training points, he/she will have to wait until the next opportunity to do so before being eligible for promotion.

A facility is booked from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon for the cadets to be able to eat, sleep, and perform all of the necessary activities. Since the vast majority of activities are performed outdoors, it is essential that the cadets are dressed for the weather and have any additional clothing required should the weather conditions change.

The days are long and the cadets are challenged, however, it is all done in an informative and enjoyable fashion.

The squadron staff and senior cadets provide the training and supervision throughout the weekend and the parent sponsoring committee and volunteers are responsible for keeping everyone nourished throughout.

Significant preparation takes place ahead of time, and everyone (staff, cadets, and volunteers) puts in long hours, and faces a variety of challenges, however, everyone leaves with a strong sense of accomplishment.