“The sky is not the limit”, according to Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield. 136 Kiowa Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron puts these words into action. This squadron attracts youth, 12 to 18 years old, from a large area including the southwest corner of Kitchener, New Dundee, Ayr, Paris, Plattsville and beyond. Why? This little squadron, situated in the village of Ayr, offers an amazing array of opportunities.
A great source of pride for 136 Kiowa Air Cadet Squadron is their training facility where Cadets can take Ground School classes on Wednesday evenings and Aviation Classes on Saturdays. It is fully equipped with 5 fixed-wing aircraft flight simulators and it boasts the very first Helicopter Flight Simulator in Air Cadets Canada to offer pilot training.
Here is just a snapshot of what 136 Kiowa Cadets are up to this Month. The Squadron is busy promoting water conservation and fundraising through their Rain Barrel Truckload Sale at events in our area. The Cadets will be on hand to help customers pick up their purchases at the North Dumfries Community Complex in Ayr on April 26, 11 am to 5 pm. The Marksmanship Team practices on Saturdays and participated in the Zone Competition at the beginning of the month. The Dodgeball Team is preparing for their Inter-Squadron Sports Competition in April. The Debating and Effective Speaking Team is also preparing for their upcoming competition in April. 136 Kiowa Pipe and Drum Band practices on Monday evenings, and each Tuesday evening, the whole Squadron spends time on Drill for their Annual Review Parade which will take place at the end of May.
In addition to team activities, the squadron has enjoyed bowling, rock climbing, outdoor camping and gliding this year. They are looking forward to another chance to train in glider planes this April at the Mid-Western Ontario Gliding Centre near Wingham, Ontario. There will be another weekend of outdoor adventure at Camp Tanner in early May and a Year End Trip to Niagara Falls in late May.
How much does it cost? “The Cadet Program is funded by the Department of National Defence in partnership with the civilian Navy League, Army Cadet League and Air Cadet League of Canada. The civilian sponsor requires local community support to meet its obligations that include accommodations, training aids and equipment and program enhancements not otherwise provided. Parents and Cadets are expected to participate in and contribute to fundraising as required by the League’s local sponsoring element. The Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces assumes costs (including uniform and travel) for Cadets. Consequently, membership in the Cadet Program provides thousands of Canadian youth with unique opportunities free of charge that they might not otherwise experience.” Click here for more information.
But wait…there’s more! Air Cadet Summer Training Camps are offered by the Air Cadet League in co-operation with the Department of National Defense. These training courses can last from two to six weeks. A training bonus of $10 per day is paid to every cadet for each day of training they complete at these camps (to a weekly maximum of $60, and a course maximum of $360).
It is not too late for interested youth to join now and participate in making memories that will last a lifetime. If you are interested in attending summer camp or want to progress to the next proficiency level next year – you will need to have joined NO LATER THAN March 31. 136 Kiowa Air Cadet Squadron is committed to ensuring that every Cadet reaches their full potential within the programme of developing good citizenship and leadership by participating in community activities and healthy living through fitness and exposure to careers in Aviation.
Written by Saundra Kinnear
Please support 136 Kiowa Squadron Rain Barrel Sale Fundraiser. Add this notice to your email signature AND visit RainBarrel.ca/136Kiowa to purchase $50 rain barrels, downspout diverters, flower boxes and more. Pick-up your purchases on Saturday April 26, 2014 from 11 AM – 5 PM at North Dumfries Community Complex Parking Lot (2958 Greenfield Road, Ayr Ontario). Thanks!