PREECEVILLE — William Howard, a third-year cadet from Preeceville, Sask., is one of 73 participants enrolled in the Survival Instructor Course at the Cold Lake Cadet Training Centre in Alberta.
The program equips cadets with essential wilderness skills, including knot-tying techniques, map and compass navigation, and working with other cadets from across Western Canada, stated Capt. B. Sheridan, unit public relations representative at the Cold Lake Cadet Training Centre.
“I really enjoy the friends I’ve made on the course and look forward to taking the new skills back to the squadron,” said Howard.
During the course, cadets complete a solo challenge. They are required to endure the wilderness for two nights under adult supervision but must construct an improvised shelter from natural forest materials and set up their site themselves. They are not allowed to speak to any other cadet for the duration of the challenge. If they complete this challenge, they pass the course.
The Canadian Cadet Program is open to youth aged 12 to 18. More information is available at www.canada.ca/cadets.
