Cadets recruiting to save local corps
Creemore is in jeopardy of losing its Cadet corps.
There has been an Army Cadet program in Creemore since the 1980s but here are currently only 11 cadets registered, when they have had around 40 in the past.
If there aren’t enough cadets to support the program the unit will likely be amalgamated with another in the area, possibly Collingwood.
Chantal Galati was a cadet in Creemore from 2004-2011 and is now the training officer for the unit, and an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and.
She speculates that the declining enrollment is due to lack of awareness and said they have been given at least one year to focus on recruiting and try to get their numbers back up.
“We try and make ourselves known by being in the Santa Claus parades and those big community events,” said Galati, adding that when they are out, especially in Creemore, people remark that they didn’t know there is a local cadet corps.
They have been trying to recruit through the elementary schools in their catchment area – Creemore, Stayner, New Lowell, Wasaga Beach and Lisle.
In Cadets, there is a focus on leadership, physical fitness and outdoor survival, including winter camping, cooking improvised meals and orienteering.
“It’s a lot of fun but it’s very challenging as well,” said Galati.
The program is free to all Canadian youth ages 12-18. Uniforms, transportation, special activities and meals are all provided.
“They actually get a training bonus if they go to camp during the summer, so they get paid to go,” said Galati. “Which is why I don’t know why 12-year-olds don’t want to come out and do this.”
Creemore offers a pipes and drums program where Cadets can learn how to play the bagpipes and drums, they do biathlon and learn marksmanship.
During Galati’s time as a Cadet, she learned marksmanship skills and placed second at a national competition. She said quite a few national awards have been claimed by that unit.
They also do work in the community doing tag days, poppy drives, adopt-a-road and running an obstacle course at Sunnidale Winterama.
“[Youth] are allowed to stay in until their 19th birthday and then they go on and do their thing in the adult world, using the skills they have learned in Cadets, like interviewing skills, and citizenship – they are really good citizens of their community,” said Galati.
She said based on time-in and achievements in leadership and physical fitness, Cadets can move up through the ranks of their unit.
Galati said she loved the program for the opportunities it afforded her and her fellow Cadets. They were able to travel abroad, including a trip to Vimy.
Cadets resumes Jan. 8 and meets every Monday night at the Legion in Creemore.
For information about Creemore Army Cadets – 1944 RCEME, contact 1944rcacc@gmail.com.
