Dear Parent or Guardian:

Every day, young people are confronted with decisions regarding their future. The Army Cadet movement can help with this decision making by encouraging young people to develop self-discipline, confidence, pride, responsibility and a sense of self-worth.

The aims of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets are to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, to promote physical fitness, and to stimulate interest in the role of the Canadian Army. All this is achieved in a challenging, yet disciplined environment.

Army Cadets are not part of the Canadian Forces. The movement is, however, sponsored by the Department of National Defence in partnership with the Army Cadet League of Canada.

The Army Cadet League is made up of members of the civilian community who are dedicated to the development of youth. Sponsoring committees at each Army Cadet Corps work along with the League. These committees are supported by parents, business professionals and other individuals willing to volunteer time and energy to help ensure the success of the local corps.

Army Cadets are instructed by members of the Cadet Instructors Cadre. These specialist officers of the Canadian Forces Reserve are trained to instruct and supervise young people. They too are members of the local community who have civilian careers but have chosen to dedicate their valuable time to working with young Canadians.

Army Cadets can offer many unique adventure oriented experiences. For example, your son or daughter can learn how to abseil down a rock-face or to live in the wilderness. They could also gain the cultural experience of traveling across Canada for a summer training course or to a foreign country as part of our International Army Cadet Exchange Programme.

It does not cost you anything for your child to join Army Cadets. In fact, selected cadets who successfully complete certain summer courses are paid a training bonus! The Army Cadet League assisted by the Army Cadets does periodically hold fund-raising campaigns to help pay for expenses involved in optional training activities. Your son or daughter would be expected to take part in these campaigns.

Please support your son or daughter as they explore the challenging opportunities of the Army Cadet option.