Information for parents

The Cadet Program of Canada is the most important national program funded by the federal government dedicated to the development of youth aged 12–18. This youth program provides interested communities with a personal development program and solid activities and tools that help prepare young people for the transition to adulthood by instilling in them the knowledge required to take on the challenges of modern society.

The success of the Cadet Program depends on the support and commitment of community members who would like to offer their young people an exciting and rewarding program with high-quality direction and supervision by qualified personnel (CIC Os). In this regard, the Department of National Defence, together with the Navy League, Army Cadet League and Air Cadet League of Canada are the Cadet Program’s partners. Among other things, these leagues are responsible for securing the community’s commitment through sponsoring committees associated with each cadet corps.

General Information

• Addressing concerns
• Consider getting more involved
• Costs
• Medical coverage and insurance
• Personal information
• Roles and responsibilities
• Safe environment
• Welcome letter to parents
• Quebec and Ottawa Valley Cadets' Activity Calendar
• Find out more about the cadet program

What parents and cadets tell us...

...ABOUT THEIR PARTICIPATION IN A MOUNT EVEREST INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITION

...ABOUT WHAT CADETS BROUGHT TO THEIR LIVES " Greetings to all present day cadets. I represent a group of former Sea cadets from Montreal-North in the late 1970's. 32 years have passed since then and you can believe us when we say that we still have it in us. Some of us have become engineers, truckers, directors, etc. But most importantly we have all become honest citizens and a bunch of friends with fond memories of all good things that being cadets brought us. On behalf of our group of ex-cadets I want to thank the cadet organization and I encourage you to continue. "   M.T. (FORMER CPO1)

Where are cadets found?

From September to June, cadets take part in activities in Sea or Army cadet corps, or Air cadet squadrons, which are located in their community.  See the National Directory of Cadet Corps to locate a cadet corps close to your home. 

During summer, cadets may participate in summer camps that last from two to six weeks and eventually occupy a summer job on one of these camps.  However, in order to be eligible to participate in a cadet summer camp, a youth must be registered in a cadet corps in their area, no later than January 31st of the current year.  There are five summer camps in Eastern Region :

• HMCS Quebec is attended mostly by Sea Cadets;
• Valcartier is attended mostly by Army Cadets;
• Bagotville is attended mostly by Air Cadets;
• The Gliding School attended mostly by Air Cadets; and
• The School of Music is attended by Sea, Army and Air Cadets.  A Regional Band that travels across Quebec throughout the summer also comes from the School of Music.

More questions or comments?

E-mail us at ursce.ap@forces.gc.ca.