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By Corey Fischer
Cadet Training Well Underway In Vernon

Cadet Training Well Underway In Vernon

Jul 19, 2018 | 7:57 AM

It’s been a hot week for the hundreds of young people at the Vernon Cadet Training Centre.

The participants, aged 12 to 18 from around Western Canada, are taking part in training and programs ranging from 2 to 6 weeks.

Chief warrant officer Ava Durrell says the cadets become acclimatized to the weather quickly as they’re outside every day.

“But certainly we do take precautions with it. We make sure that they’re properly hydrating, they’re drinking enough water, they’re wearing the appropriate clothing for the weather. We make sure that they take breaks and go into the shade whenever they have the chance,” Durrell tells Beach Radio News.

The centre, which has been running each summer since 1949, will have 1,100 young people visiting the site this summer, getting training and taking courses.

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Durrell says more women and girls are part of the program.

“Our command team, so the top nine positions on base, seven of the nine are females, which is really fantastic to see this year. But certainly in terms  of the cadet camp as a whole, it’s pretty equal (the ratio of males and females).”

There are a variety of programs including music, marksmanship and fitness.

Durrell says they use the centre and armoury, along with other sites.

“There’s a school in Armstrong that our basic sports and fitness and military band cadets go to to train. We use Kin Beach for some of our canoeing opportunities, and we also use Becker Lake and Thompson Plateau for our expedition courses.”

The sea and air cadets also have several public events, including taking part in the Okanagan Military Tattoo at Kal Tire Place later this month.

by Corey Fischer

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