Okotoks’ sea cadet group is making a comeback to in-person activities.
Marking that shift, the cadets of 360 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Erratic took part in an ‘Amazing Race’ style event on May 14.
Chasing down clues and completing challenges that put their training to the test, the sea cadets had to replicate a camp site down to the slightest detail (including a pair of folded socks), use their recent orienteering skills to find items in the woods, and even don bunker gear and practice their firefighting skills.
The return to in-person activities was a welcome change for the commanding officer of RCSCC Erratic, Navy Lt. Pam Mattock.
“We’re trying to get as much activity as we can; we did orienteer a couple weeks ago, and we do range in the next couple weeks,” Mattock said.
Like many organizations, it has been roughly two years since the cadets were able to conduct their activities in person.
For an organization centered around personal development, Mattock said this face-to-face time is crucial.
“Camaraderie, the ability to talk to people and the friendships that you make is just amazing,” she said.
This was echoed by cadets, such as PO1 Ciaron Cooper, who was quoted in a press release from RCSCC Erratic: “The whole cadet experience is to be in person and to see and learn the traditions, practices, structure and disciplines, chain-of-command, all of it,” Cooper said. “You've got to learn about all of these historical practices in person.”
Another cadet, LC Amber Golhar, welcomed the physical activity.
“You get to do marching drill and it’s actually quite fun — I like the movements,” Golhar said.
“It was relaxing and I don’t really get to stretch at home. It cleared my mind as well.”
The RCSCC Erratic is accepting new cadets, Mattock added.
“It’s been around a month since we have been back in person and we’ve been looking forward to more exciting opportunities and for new cadets to come along with us,” she said.
The cadets of RCSCC Erratic meet Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. at Big Rock School, and it is free to join, with youth from ages 12 to 18 welcome.
Anyone interested in enrolling in cadets can visit a meeting or go to 360rcsscerratic.ca.
Firefighting skills were also on the docket.
Fresh off an orienteering course, the cadets put their navigation skills to the test in the woods near the Sheep River.
Going beyond field skills, the group met with Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn and Coun. Rachel Swendseid to learn about their municipality.
Following their visit with the mayor, the cadets had to carry out fact-finding about Okotoks' veterans.
