Air cadet Jordan Gardner from 581 “Castlegar” Squadron has been singled out for kudos, receiving a “Most Improved Cadet” award on August 15 in Metchosin, a rural community just west of Victoria.
The 14-year-old now has the Basic Survival Course at Albert Head Cadet Summer Training Centre (CSTC) to his credit.
Over a three weeks period, the cadets, the majority between 13 and 15 — gained important skills — such as how to react when an emergency situation arises.
Much more than camping tips, the Basic Survival Course provided hands-on exposure to primitive outdoor living skills, how to aid in a rescue as well as how to be rescued. Jordan and his peers became familiar with problem-solving under adverse conditions, including hunger and isolation. The cadets learned how to push their personal boundaries, a transferable life skill that can be applied to any situation regardless of the life path they choose after they leave the Cadet Program.
Jordan and 267 other cadets graduated on August 15 during the provincial air cadet summer camp’s final graduation ceremony. Graduating cadets completed courses in areas such as music, instruction, drill, aviation technology and aerospace, sports and fitness, and survival.
One of the smaller squadrons in B.C., 581 Squadron sent six cadets to Albert Head this summer of which Jordan was the only award recipient.
From July 7 to August 15, 910 cadets completed courses at Albert Head, while 79 senior cadets and 68 adults provide supervision and instruction. Air Cadets selected for the courses and staff come from the 58 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadrons located throughout B.C. There are 3,600 air cadets in B.C.