WINNIPEG, Man. – Cadet Jodayne Bertram of 2815 Naicam Legion, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC), learns how to send messages utilizing Morse Code during a locally developed communications course at the Naicam School, Naicam, Saskatchewan, on January 11, 2025.
Bertram joined 2815 RCACC a few months ago because the Cadet Program “teaches you responsibility,” whereas Cadet Robyn Flath, who joined around the same time, shared that they “joined Cadets because I thought it would be a great opportunity to help me later on in my adult life while also helping me be a better student.”
Army Cadets are taught how to properly say the phonetic alphabet and numbers while communicating over a radio. This knowledge helps avoid confusion through the pronunciation of letters and numbers, and the misinterpretation of messages. This year, 2815 RCACC added Morse Code training as an extra communication skill that was fun and challenging for cadets to learn. “Using the radios was awesome,” said Bertram.
Flath shared, “My favorite part about the communications course was being able to experience and use the real radio. I also enjoyed talking to someone in British Columbia and learning how Ham radios work.” A ham radio is an amateur radio used for hobby or emergency communications.
“Being able to play games and have fun while also learning a lesson like team building,” is Flath’s favorite type of activity.
Lieutenant Kathleen Keen, Commanding Officer of 2815 RCACC, shared that they have been working hard to recruit adult staff. “We are looking for two more staff that are motivated and ready to join our team,” said Keen. Ideal staff are those who “have intentions of staying with the Naicam corps for the long-term” and who are interested in enrolling into the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service branch of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as Cadet Instructor Cadre Officers. Interested adults would assist in supervision, training, and administration of the Cadet Program.
“At 2815 RCACC, we work together well as a team. We are motivated, hands-on, and communicate often,” said Keen. The staff have a vision and plan for the corps to ensure their long-term success.
Beyond working to grow the staff team, 2815 RCACC is also actively working to attract additional cadets to the Cadet Program by offering many fun activities this spring, including a weekend field training activity, a skiing activity, marksmanship training with the Daisy 853c Air Rifle, and a weekend training activity with the Melville Cadets at Camp Saskadet.
“It is heartwarming to see the effort of the cadets, parents, and the community to keep the corps active and viable,” said Keen. Local youth who are “interested in what we do and what we have to offer can come by Naicam School gym Tuesdays between 7 and 9 p.m.”
Cadet Morrison Obrigewitch of 2815 RCACC provided the following advice for local youth who are considering joining the Cadet Program: “I would tell them it is fun and that it is free. Lots to do!”
“I think joining cadets will give you a greater chance of achieving a dream you might have, whether that be your dream job or mastering a dream skill,” shared Flath. To accomplish your dreams, Flath indicated that “you have to be ready to put in the work and be committed.
The Cadet Program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 and provides youth opportunities to develop skills that will last a lifetime including teamwork and communication. Youth who are interested in joining the Cadet Program can do so by visiting Join the Cadet Program – Canada.ca or emailing 2815army@cadets.gc.ca.
Becoming part of the Cadet Program as an adult leader is a choice to serve both your country and your local community. It is easier than you may think and is filled with rewarding opportunities to gain new skills valued not only within the Canadian Armed Forces, but within your existing workplace. No previous military or cadet experience is required.
Photo credit: Lieutenant Kathleen Keen, Commanding Officer, 2815 Naicam, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps
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