The Thorold 128 Flying Dragons Air Cadet Squadron is looking for youths to join their year-long training program. Says Captain Copses-Parker, the squadron's commanding officer, “The cadet program is a reflection of the elements of the Canadian armed forces. We’re air cadets, so youths aged 12 to 18, who are interested in the field of aviation come to us because here they learn about aviation and actually we have a flight simulator to help them learn how to fly.”
If an air cadet maintains strong academic standing during the program they even get the opportunity to obtain their glider or power pilot license. But flying is not all you can learn in the air cadet program.
“We’re preparing them for responsible adulthood,” says Captain Copses-Parker.
“The other things we teach them really focuses on citizenship, leadership and environmental stewardship. We teach the young people the theoretical part but then we take them out into the woods and they put to the test those things they’ve learned.”
Because the program, is based on the Canadian armed forces, there are lots of elements of discipline to the program as well. Says Capt. Copses-Parker, “They can’t have long hair, they wear a uniform, and we do inspections just like we would in the regular military. These kinds of skills that they learn are transferable in the regular world.”
Capt. Copses-Parker insists that in a world with social media, where the focus is on the individual, these skills are more important now than ever. “Social media has affected young people, but that individualism is not as much prevalent here. Everybody is working towards one particular goal. Here, they become a team and the friendships that they make last a lifetime.”
Capt. Copses-Parker adds that every youth that comes through the program ends up being a better person because of it. “For example, I had a young boy many years ago from Columbia. He went from not speaking English, being afraid and not having any confidence, to taking the very top position in an air cadet squadron. He went on to win the recognition for his public speaking and all of that came from this program.”
Capt. Copses-Parker says that guiding young people through the air cadet training is a very fulfilling experience. “These are really incredible young people. It is privilege for us, the staff, to work with them and to help them reach their potential. So you ask me why I do it? That is it right there, tomorrow’s leaders.”
If you are interested in joining or learning more about the 128 Flying Dragons Air Cadet Squadron you can go to www.128squadron.ca.
