The annual East Meets West Sports and Fitness weekend for the Air Cadets was held recently at Selkirk College in Castlegar.
The weekend had 155 cadets from 13 cadet units from the East and West Kootenays participating in events such as fitness assessments, team sports, orienteering and a dance.
Cpl. Daniel Buskas of 581 Castlegar Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron was one of the cadets taking part in the event.
Buskas joined the cadets two years ago after his friends suggested he try it and says he now stays because he loves the camaraderie and group activities. When he is not at school or cadets, Buskas enjoys working out at his local gym and volunteering with the Castlegar Rotary Club.
Buskas says he encourages all youth to join the cadet program, stating there is so much to learn, and lots of fun to be had.
The cadet program, which includes Sea, Army and Air Cadets, is the largest government funded youth program in Canada with over 50,000 participants.
The Air Cadet program accepts youth between the ages of 12-18 who want to learn more about the air element of the Canadian Forces, develop the attributes of leadership and good citizenship and promote physical fitness. While the program is military-based, there is no obligation for a cadet to join the Canadian Armed Forces.