Nearly 50 cadets from central Alberta gathered at Red Deer’s Cormack Armoury this March for the Seamanship Inter-Divisional Competition (SIDC).
Cadet Petty Officer Second Class Calvin Cunningham from 126 Red Deer, Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) assisted in hosting the competition on March 23 for 46 cadets from Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, Drumheller, and Wainwright.
The aim of SIDC is to provide an opportunity to reinforce seamanship knowledge and skills learned through corps training, maintain interest in the Cadet Program, provide an opportunity to develop team building skills, and provide practical leadership opportunities for cadets.
The organization says that Cunningham played a pivotal role in ensuring the activity proceeded seamlessly, demonstrated their leadership and program expertise developed over the last three years. Cunningham was then honored with the 126 RCSCC Commanding Officer’s Award for their efforts and dedication.
“I like developing myself [through] opportunities in leadership,” he said. When asked what they like best about the Cadet Program, they shared, “you learn discipline, teamwork, sailing, and seamanship. Overall is a great opportunity for anyone to consider.”
Reflecting on the camaraderie prevalent across the four-cadet corps at the SIDC activity, Captain Eryn Beddoes, 126 RCSCC Commanding Officer, observed how their mutual support and encouragement, even towards those they had just met, exemplified the strong sense of community fostered by the Cadet Program. They added that Sea Cadets offers youth an opportunity to take on new challenges, acquire new experiences, develop team spirit, comradeship, and physical fitness in a safe and learning environment.
“The skills they learn in Sea Cadets are so unique,” said Beddoes. “It’s such a pleasure to watch them learn, grow, and succeed.”
(Captain Eryn Beddoes, Commanding Officer, 126 Red Deer Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps)
The Cadet Program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 years of age and provides youth opportunities to develop life-long skills including teamwork and communication. Youth who are interested in joining the Cadet Program can do so by visiting the Join the Cadet Program page at Canada.ca or by emailing the Red Deer Sea Cadet Corps at 126sea@cadets.gc.ca. Adults are needed to help train, administer, and supervise the local youth involved in the Canadian Cadet Program.
“Becoming part of the Canadian Cadet Organization is easier than you may think, it is a lot of fun, and the skills you learn are likely transferable to your regular employment. No previous military or cadet experience is required,” said officials in a release.
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