Learn More About the Cadet Program
and Submit an Application to Join 809 Newark Squadron
Local Q&A
Q: What are the Royal Canadian Air Cadets?
A: We are an organization for youth between the ages of 12 and 18 years. The purpose of the cadet squadron is to instil a sense of citizenship, develop leadership and teamwork, encourage active involvement in the community and to promote physical fitness.
Q: Why should I join?
A: You will learn about the principles of flight, survival, teamwork and much more. You will make new friends and experience new and exciting challenges. Many successful Canadians such as Colonel Chris Hadfield (first Canadian astronaut to take command of the International Space Station), Myriam Bedard, Captain Marc Garneau, Rick Mercer, and actors Timothy Dalton & Jim Carey are all former cadets.
Q: Does this mean I will have to join the Canadian Armed Forces?
A: Absolutely not. This is a civilian organization which fosters youth leadership, physical fitness and active citizenship, with the assistance of Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
Q: What does it cost to join?
A: There is no direct cost. There is an expectation that cadets participate in and contribute to fundraising activities throughout the year. The funds generated are necessary in order to run the program.
Q: Who instructs the cadets?
A: Cadets learn from senior cadets and members of the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC), Canadian Armed Forces officers who are trained to instruct and supervise youth. In some cases, civilian instructors (CIs) or civilian volunteers (CVs) are called upon to assist.
Q: How are adult leaders screened before they are allowed to work with cadets?
A: All adult members of the Staff and Sponsoring Committee, whether paid or volunteer, are screened through the Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) and Police Record Check (PRC) process at the Niagara Regional Police Services, or their local police service depending on their home town.
Q: Can I learn how to fly?
A: Yes, but not everyone gets to learn. The ones who pass medical and written exams qualify for aircraft and glider pilot scholarships. Other advanced training also exists for various Aviation Technologies, Sports and Fitness, Drill and Ceremonial, Survival, Marksmanship, and more.
Q: Do cadets also teach summer courses?
A: Qualified senior cadets get to teach and get paid to be staff cadets.
Q: Do you have to pay for summer training?
A: No. The meals, travel, lodging and instructions are free.
Q: What do I need to join?
A: You need an interest in the program, and the following:
- Proof of age:
- proof of legal Canadian residency:
- a valid Canadian passport;
- a birth certificate issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal government agency;
- any card, visa or permit (work, study, resident, etc.) (with photo) issued by the Canadian government which legally authorizes the person to reside in Canada for an extended period of time; or
- any identification card (with or without photo) issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal government agency.
- Proof of health insurance: Provincial or Territorial health insurance card or private insurance card.
- Please have these original documents with you when you attend the corps or squadron closest to you.
- To help speed up the registration process, you may wish to bring a photocopy of these documents as well.