Archive

Dufferin teen participates in training at Borden

August 4, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Written By: Jasen Obermeyer

Dennis Greenwood is learning survival skills this summer by participating as a cadet in the Blackdown Cadet Training Centre, located in Canadian Forces Base Borden.

Cadet Greenwood, 14, lives in the Shelburne area but attends the Basic Fitness and Sports course and calls home Grand Valley’s 85 Tornado Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

Participating in fitness and sports activities and developing knowledge and skills on how to perform the duties of a Fitness and Sports Assistant, the course includes activities such as following a personal fitness routine, leading warm-up and cool-down sessions, assisting with the Cadet Fitness Assessment and assisting with recreational sports. 

When asked which activity he was most excited for, Cadet Greenwood happily responded, “I am excited to learn how to challenge myself physically in new and fun ways”.

Cadet Greenwood says he enjoyed going to the pool the most. 

He is one of 3,300 cadets at Base Borden who are “working on skills in leadership, outdoor activities, physical fitness, instruction, citizenship and teamwork.”

The program offers new and challenging experiences, simultaneously encouraging pride, teamwork, camaraderie and physical fitness in a challenging, but safe environment. 

The cadet program, which began as far back as 1887, is open to all Canadians from 12 to 18 and is free.

The Canadian Armed Forces, funded by the Department of National Defence, covers the entire cost including transportation, facilities, meals, accommodation and salaries of personnel.

The program’s courses help prepare cadets for life as an adult.

Captain Darren White of the 1849 Lorne Scots Royal Canadian Army Cadets said to the Citizen that most of the average students don’t know what they want to do when they graduate, “but when you speak to any of our cadets, they all have an idea, they have a plan already.”

For additional information on the cadet program, visit www.cadets.gc.ca.

Readers Comments (0)