The Ontario Regiment 2525 Army Cadet Corps (Pickering/Ajax, Ontario, CA)

The Army Cadet Program is the oldest of the three cadet programs. It's main focus is on Adventure training. Through challenging outdoor activities such as abseiling, trekking, canoeing, GPS, orienteering, first-aid, camping and survival skills, it helps Army cadets gain valuable life skills that they will carry for the rest of their lives. The Royal Canadian Army Cadets appeal to teenagers craving exciting outdoor activities where their personal limits as individuals and team-members will be tested. The hardcore outdoor-oriented will love the challenge! It's the experience of a lifetime! They will also learn to become outdoor leaders.

Want to see what the Cadet Expedition Program looks like....Check out this Video Link Cadet Expedition 2016

Army Cadets get involved in ceremonial military events and citizenship activities that allow them to connect to their Canadian heritage. They develop a great sense of pride and discipline through their involvement in a structured environment that allows them to hone their leadership skills as they grow older and they learn to care for younger cadets.

The Royal Canadian Army Cadet training program is divided into five portions: Green Star, Red Star, Silver Star, and Gold Star.

• Green Star Training is designed to teach a new recruit the basics of cadet life. The Green Star course has a greater emphasis on drill than any other star level. All of the most common drill movements are taught in this course.

• Red Star Training will complement the knowledge gained during Green Star Training. The Red Star course still has a great emphasis on drill, but it also adds on to the other aspects of the Star Training Program and introduces the cadets to the principles of leadership.

• Silver Star Training will complement the knowledge gained during Green and Red Star Training but the emphasis will move from drill to leadership and teaching. Because those taking the Silver star course will be senior cadets, it is important that they know how to lead and teach.

• Gold Star Training complements the knowledge gained during Green, Red and Silver Star Training. Gold Star Training is the most advanced training that a cadet can receive at the home corps level.

In addition to their specialty training, Army Cadets may become involved in other exciting activities like competitive Olympic-style marksmanship and biathlon, sports competitions, music training and competitions, cultural outings, volunteer community support, etc...

Canada represents the best playground for teenagers interested in the outdoors. We are the organization for teens and adults interested in getting out of the classroom to explore the planet the way it should be.

<Currently, due to COVID19 restrictions, we are doing Virtual Training only>

We meet every Monday night at Pickering High School from 6:30-9:30pm (New cadet registration at 7:15pm).

Pickering High School is located at 180 Church Street North Ajax, ON L1T 2W7

==> Parents/Guardians are asked to stay with cadets until an Officer has arrived on-site (for each activity)

Q. WHO CAN JOIN CADETS?

A. Cadets is open to all teenagers, ages 12 to 18 inclusive.

Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

A. There is no cost to join cadets and the uniform is supplied on loan. All weekend activities are at no cost and cadets can even get paid for attending summer camp. Nothing! Army Cadets is government and fundraiser-funded. Uniforms, travel expenses, food, lodging, training etc., is all covered.

Q. HOW OFTEN DO ARMY CADETS TRAIN?

A. Army Cadets train one night per week. Our corps trains on Monday evenings and generally has one weekend activity each month which include day trips and overnight weekend training exercises.

Q. WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO ARMY CADETS GO THROUGH?

A. As an Army Cadet, you will be trained in a variety of subjects such as drill, firearm(Air Riffle) handling, citizenship, and leadership. The Army Cadets program also offers advanced training courses such as exchanges to Germany, the UK, and Scotland, just to name a few, as well as the Regular Force Basic Parachuting course.

Q. WILL I BE EXPECTED TO JOIN THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES AFTER I HAVE COMPLETED THE CADET PROGRAM?

A. No. However, if you do wish to join, your application will be looked at more favourably as you will have already learned some valuable skills through cadet training.

Q. HOW DO I JOIN?

A. Come down and see us on our training night - that is any Monday evening from September to end of April. There is no obligation for you to join. You can just come in and have a look around and see whether or not the program is a fit. You will have an opportunity to meet Staff and get information about the program in general and specific to our corps, and see what a typical parade night would look like.