A Portage la Prairie teen is back from a memorable summer adventure after completing a cadet training course in Ontario.
Cadet Sergeant Geri Orchard, 14, just returned from the Royal Canadian Air Cadets’ Introduction to Fitness and Sports course, held at Blackdown Cadet Training Centre (CTC) in Borden.
The two-week camp offered a mix of classroom learning, physical activity, and new friendships; all part of her first-ever summer cadet experience.
The course schedule was packed from morning to evening, designed to develop both fitness and leadership skills. Orchard says the days began with early morning workouts.
“It was two weeks long and every morning we had PT, which is physical training,” says Orchard. “Then we’d have breakfast. Then we would have a few classes, then lunch, a few more classes, dinner, and then free time.”
From warmups to games: Sports in focus
Orchard explains that much of the training was hands-on and geared toward both playing and understanding sports.
“These classes, some of it was just playing sports and some of it was learning about sports,” adds Orchard. “Warm ups, cool downs, how to run a game and other stuff like that.”
She says she picked the course based on her own passions.
“I also just loved playing sports too, so that’s why it was one of my options,” continues Orchard.
Her interests outside of cadets include judo and rugby, and she’s considering basketball when school starts again. The cadet training helped her build on those activities while learning how to lead others in sport and recreation.
Looking to the skies
Orchard, a member of the local air cadet program in Portage, is also thinking ahead.
“I’m an air cadet and I really like airplanes and might become airplane engineer,” remarks Orchard.
She’s entering her third year with the air cadets this fall and says the program has already had a big impact on her.
From teamwork and discipline to learning about aviation and structure, Orchard says there’s something in cadets for almost everyone.
Encouraging others to get involved
With recruiting season for cadets just around the corner, Orchard encourages other youth to give it a try.
“Just come try,” mentions Orchard. “You might not like it, but just at least come try it.”
Portage is home to both air and army cadet programs.
The air cadets meet at Southport, while the army cadets train at the Armoury in town.
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