Cold Lake, AB — Summer camps are in full swing and a youth from the Central Okanagan will experience a summer of adventure and challenge as the most senior staff cadet at the Cold Lake Cadet Training Centre.
Throughout the regular cadet training year from September to June, Paul Smith is the Warrant Officer First Class, Squadron Commander at 243 Ogopogo Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Kelowna; however ranks change during summer camp to reflect cadet staff positions.
After a lengthy period of evaluations, Smith was selected to be the top cadet position at the centre. He will be the Cold Lake Cadet Training Centre Warrant Officer.
Selected out of a possible 140 candidates, he was promoted to Warrant Officer First Class.
A leader amongst peers, Smith will motivate and guide all of the other staff cadets while being mentored by Cadet Instructor Cadre Officers; adults who specialize in working with young people to implement the cadet program.
Smith began summer camp in late June and will return home mid-August where new experiences and added skills will be brought back to friends and family and applied to future endeavours.
You can follow his summer and the adventures of the other cadets in Cold Lake by following the centre’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ColdLakeCTC.
The Cadet Program is a national youth development program which aims to grow in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness, and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces.
For more information on the Cadets, go to: www.cadets.ca.