By Melissa Smalley
Registration begins this week for youth interested in joining the 2887 Rocky Mountain Rangers Royal Canadian Army Cadets Corps.
The popular program – for boys and girls aged 12 to 18 – has been running locally for more than 20 years, according to Capt. Dale Bachmier, commanding officer for the 100 Mile House cadets.
The main focus for cadets, according to Bachmier, is learning leadership skills and discipline that will help them to become prominent members of society.
"One of the biggest things is we're teaching them to be a better 'them'," Bachmier says.
Skills learned by cadets include bushcraft, wilderness survival, map and compass, drills, small arms shooting and dress and deportment.
Bachmier says the program is a great outlet for young people who are at an impressionable age. He adds that he has seen numerous teens thrive as cadets and go on to do big things.
"We really emphasize with the cadets, 'what's your potential? What do you want to do?'"
The local cadet program has been growing in popularity over the past few years, Bachmier explains. There were more than 30 youth participating.
Aside from teaching focus, discipline and leadership, the program offers stepping stones to work experience and high school credits.
Although instructors don't recruit cadets for the Canadian Armed Forces – which sponsors the program – Bachmier says information and guidance is available to any cadets wanting to learn more about the army.
The best part for local families, Bachmier says, is the program is "100 per cent free."
"Never at any time will a parent or a cadet be asked for money to participate in this organization or any activity whatsoever."
Registration starts today (Sept. 8) at 6 p.m. at the Horse Lake Training Centre, 5830 Horse Lake Rd.
Parents interested in registering their children should bring their child's ID, Care Card and birth certificate.