By Jill Sperling

Kamloops youth learn discipline, leadership skills through Cadets

Nov 21, 2018 | 3:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — They’re training to become the leaders of tomorrow, learning discipline, tackling new challenges and discovering a respect for all people. 

The Army Cadets are among three Kamloops units pointing youth toward new opportunities and military service. 

“Some of the youth that join us, they’re looking for friends, they’re looking for fun,” said Cadet Instructor Capt. Christine Stilborn. “A few of our cadets are looking for a challenge, and there are a few of our cadets that are looking for that military aspect, that structure that we offer in this program.” 

The program is comprised of a mixture of lecture-based classes and practical learning. 

“The army cadet’s primary focus is adventure training,” Stilborn said, “so we focus on canoeing, white water rafting, abseiling, rock-climbing. Then you’ve got your basics too, you’ve got your drills, learning the principals of dress and department. Then, as you advance yourself through the program, if you apply yourself and you challenge yourself, and you do well in this program other opportunities open up for you.”

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For some of the youth, the Army Cadets is a stepping stone toward a future in the Canadian Army. 

“My stepdad was an army cadet when he was younger and he joined the reserves,” said Master Cpl. Jordanne Jolicoeur. “He told me about his experience and I got interested in it and I decided to come and join here and get some experience and hopefully when I’m older I will join the military and have an easier time based on the training I’ve had here.”

Not all of the cadets were so eager to join.

“My best friend, who I met in Grade 8, he tried to drag me to meetings ever since the beginning of Grade 8,” said Sgt. Thamindu Widyaratne. “I finally came volunteering with them for a yearly bottle drive. The people I met were just so great that I had to go.”

Since then the cadets quickly became family to Widyaratne and many doors have been opened to him. 

“I’ve been able to learn the french horn, which is actually really crazy,” Widyaratne said. “Every summer I’ve been available to go to camps that teach you various things: drills, survival in the wild, instruments, sports and fitness, and they pay you for it, which is really great.”

For Capt. Christine Stilborn, It’s witnessing the personal growth of each cadet that is most rewarding.

“Seeing them right from the age of 12 years, having a few of these cadets come in and they’re so shy and they’re so sort of withdrawn and introverted and seeing them come out of their shell and aspire to things that they never thought that they could,” she said.

The Army Cadets are hoping to recruit 60 members by the end of the year. For information on how to join click here.