Cadet program participation reaches record high in Canada

More than 72,000 Canadians aged 12 to 18 currently participate in the Cadet and Junior Canadian Ranger programs.

These youth organizations provide training in leadership, aviation, and fitness without charging membership fees. The Department of National Defence funds the programs, which serve as a free alternative to expensive youth sports. The Air Cadets program is the most popular branch of the initiative, with over 38,000 participants.

Major Anthony Vukojevic, the commanding officer of the 618 Queen City Royal Canadian Air Cadets in Toronto, says many parents choose the program because it offers academic focus and the chance for children to earn pilot licenses through scholarships. The program is expanding its curriculum to include skills in science, technology, engineering, and math to prepare students for careers in aircraft maintenance and mechanics.

Participants describe the program as a way to gain discipline and learn new hobbies like music, robotics, and debate. While the programs are seeing record growth, demand has outpaced capacity. The organization currently manages wait-lists for more than 16,000 children who wish to join.