Summer Training

Summer Training Opportunities are available to all cadets to apply to depending upon their level. Cadets attending summer training receive specialized instruction on their course, free travel, accommodations, and food. Cadets also receive a Training Bonus of $40-$60/week, while on course.

Non-Specialty Summer Course selection is based on the number of billets offered to the Squadron. While the final selection decision rests with the Commanding Officer, cadets are often selected based on yearly participation (in mandatory and citizenship events), dress and deportment, and overall professionalism.

Specialty Courses & Exchange are selected at the provincial level by Regional Cadet Support Unit, and BC Air Cadet League Staff. The selections are based on the cadet’s application (including school marks), review boards, and testing (pilot courses).

The following courses are available to cadets, pending the completion of the required level:

Summer Training

General Training - 2 Weeks

The General Training Course provides cadets who have recently joined the Cadet Program an introductory summer training experience where they will participate in a variety of activities from each specialty, to include Drill and Ceremonial, Music, Marksmanship, Aviation, Aerodrome Operations, Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance, Aerospace, and Aircrew Survival. Cadets applying for this course should have successfully completed Proficiency Level One.

Basic Drill and Ceremonial (Air) - 3 Weeks

The Basic Drill and Ceremonial (Air) Course provides cadets an opportunity to build on drill learned at the squadron, participate in advanced drill and ceremonial activities, and to develop leadership skills and knowledge; while performing the role of a team leader. Activities include commanding a squad on parade, drill with arms, flag drill, and marksmanship training. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Basic Aviation - 3 Weeks

The Basic Aviation Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the fundamentals of aviation. Activities include radio communication, a familiarization flight, meteorology, and air navigation. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace - 3 Weeks

The Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the fundamentals of aerospace, airport operations and aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Activities include aerospace, aerodrome operations, and aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Basic Survival - 3 weeks

The Basic Survival Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop aircrew survival skills. Activities include field training, navigation and ground search and rescue. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Basic Fitness and Sports - 3 Weeks

The Basic Fitness and Sports course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in fitness and sports activities, and to develop knowledge and skills on how to perform the duties of a Fitness and Sports Assistant. Activities include following a personal fitness routine, leading warm-up and cool-down sessions, assisting with the Cadet Fitness Assessment and assisting with recreational sports. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Military Band – Basic Musician - 3 Weeks

The Military Band – Basic Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and military band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, demonstrating rhythm skills, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Pipe Band – Basic Musician - 3 Weeks

The Pipe Band – Basic Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and pipe band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include highland dance, maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, demonstrating rhythm skills, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Drill and Ceremonial Instructor - 6 Weeks

The Drill and Ceremonial Instructor course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to become an instructor and team leader during drill and ceremonial activities. Activities include advanced drill, instructional techniques and leadership. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Advanced Aviation - 3 Weeks

The Advanced Aviation Course 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 within the Air Cadet Program. Activities include instructional technique, radio communication, meteorology, and air navigation. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Survival Instructor - 6 Weeks

The Survival Instructor Course 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 aircrew survival activities within the Air Cadet Program. Activities include instructional technique, first aid, survival and field training, and ground navigation. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Fitness and Sports Instructor - 6 Weeks

The Fitness and Sports Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a fitness and sports specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to perform the role of a Fitness and Sports Instructor and a team leader for fitness and sports activities conducted at the corps / squadron during regionally directed activities and/or as a staff cadet at a CSTC. Activities include personal fitness and healthy living, conducting the Cadet Fitness Assessment, and leading recreational sports. Cadets applying for this course should be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor - 6 Weeks

The Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop marksmanship skills and knowledge, and to instruct and lead air rifle marksmanship activities. Activities include first aid, advanced marksmanship, instructional techniques and coaching. Cadets applying for this course should be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Military Band – Intermediate Musician - 6 Weeks

The Military Band – Intermediate Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and military band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include first aid, maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Military Band Music Level Basic, be 14–15 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Pipe Band – Intermediate Musician - 6 Weeks

The Pipe Band – Intermediate Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and pipe band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include first aid, highland dance, maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Music Proficiency Level – Pipes and Drums Level Two, be 14–15 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Military Band – Advanced Musician - 6 Weeks

The Military Band – Advanced Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in advanced music training and military band activities, to prepare them to lead and instruct corps’ music programs. Activities include music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, performing ensemble music as a member of a band, leadership, and instructional technique. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Military Band Music Level Basic, be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Four.

Pipe Band – Advanced Musician - 6 Weeks

The Pipe Band – Advanced Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in advanced music training and pipe band activities, to prepare them to lead and instruct corps’ music programs. Activities include highland dance, music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, performing ensemble music as a member of a band, leadership, and instructional technique. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Music Proficiency Level – Pipes and Drums Level Three, be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Four.

Advanced Aerospace

The Advanced Aerospace Course 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 aerospace activities within the Air Cadet Program. Activities include instructional technique, first aid, astronomy, orbital mechanics, and model rocketry. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Advanced Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance

Advanced Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance is a six-week course that provides Cadets the opportunity to learn aircraft maintenance skills through a set of practical, hands-on training activities, such as installing and removing rivets used in aircraft metal structures, performing a landing gear retraction test on a fixed wing aircraft, assembling an input driveshaft from a turbine powered helicopter.  Cadets applying for the Advanced Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance course must successfully complete Proficiency Level Three by the end of the training year.

Advanced Aviation Technology – Airport Operations

Advanced Aviation Technology – Airport Operations is a six-week course that introduces Cadets to the various components of operating an airport.  Cadets will learn about airside operations, meteorology, navigation, air traffic services, ground services, and safety.  They will also examine some of the history and advancements in the aviation industry and explore employment opportunities.  Cadets applying for the Advanced Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance course must successfully complete Proficiency Level Three by the end of the training year.

Glider Pilot Scholarship

The Glider Pilot Scholarship is a six or seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence.  Cadets applying for the Glider Pilot Scholarship 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, must achieve a mark of at least 50% on the Canadian Armed Forces qualifying exam, 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.  The physical limitations for height and weight are: minimum height of 152.4cm and a maximum height of 190.5cm, and a minimum weight of 40.82Kg and a maximum weight of 90.72Kg.

Power Pilot Scholarship

The Power Pilot Scholarship is a seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Power Pilot Licence.  Cadets applying for the Power Pilot Scholarship 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, must achieve a mark of at least 50% on the Canadian Armed Forces qualifying exam, 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. The maximum weight for a student pilot is 111.13Kg (245lbs).

Advanced Training - Staff Cadets

Staff Cadets undergo advanced training which includes being mentored by adult leaders and senior staff cadets. Staff Cadets provide leadership, instruction and support to course Cadets at a Cadet Summer Training Centre (CSTC). Staff Cadets are not employees. Participation by the staff cadet during authorized CSTC summer training constitutes advanced training. Advanced training staff cadets are divided into two distinct categories:
  • Type 1: Training; and
  • Type 2: Training Support.
Examples of staff cadet assignments include recreational sports staff, division / platoon / flight staff, and administration staff.  Staff cadets receive an advanced training allocation ranging from $71.00 to $95.00 per day depending on their rank.  Cadets applying for staff may not be less than 16 years of age as of the first day of January of the year of advanced training.

Air Cadet Exchanges

As part of the Air Cadet Program there are numerous opportunities to be involved in a variety of summer training programs and some are even conducted outside of Cadet Summer Training Centres. The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL) jointly sponsor an International Cadet Exchange Program with Air Cadet Organizations around the world. As such, Canada is a member country of the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Association. Select senior cadets are chosen from air cadet squadrons across Canada to participate in International Exchanges and / or Cultural Visits.  The following is a list of countries that partake in these training opportunities:
  • Australia,
  • Belgium,
  • France,
  • Hong Kong,
  • Japan,
  • Netherlands,
  • Philippines,
  • Singapore,
  • Turkey,
  • New Zealand,
  • United Kingdom; and
  • The United States of America.