While the cadets were understandably nervous, everybody enjoyed themselves, and all of the speeches that were delivered were above the judge’s expectations.  After completing the Squadron effective speaking competition, the winner was chosen to represent 111 at the Wing Effective Speaking Competition, in which cadets from all across the Lower Mainland compete for an opportunity to attend the Provincial and National levels of effective speaking.  While not everyone had the opportunity to advance to the Wing competition, it is safe to say that Effective Speaking is a valuable life skill, and competing in the Squadron competition, as well as attending the course, will make these cadets stronger within the Air Cadet program, as well as in future endeavours.
 
-FCpl Derek Strangway

It also made me realize that as a member of the community, I am responsible to give, and aid others when help is needed.  I also had lots of fun doing the Skills portion of the program.  The topic that I chose for my skill was trumpet; Duke of Ed gave me the opportunity to practice with my trumpet in a daily schedule and allowed me to become a more advanced player of the trumpet. Physical Recreation was also something that I enjoyed tremendously.  It helped me participate in physical activities not just in school, but outside of school as well. However, to me, the most interesting topic of all is the Adventurous Journey.  I am not a person who enjoys camping in the wilderness, especially in the cold. However, it changed my perspective of outdoor camping completely.  I finished my outdoor expedition at Manning Park for a winter FTX.  It was a blast.  Almost every part of the FTX was amazing, but the most favourable part about the FTX was being able to socialize with lots of others who are aged around the same as me.  The part that makes Duke of Edinburgh’s Award so fantastic is the feeling of satisfaction that comes when you achieve your goals after you have put in lots of hard work for the award.  Completing my Bronze gave me an inexplicable sensation of glee and joy and the feeling of happiness has, and always will continue to motivate me to challenge and set goals for myself.  Even after the completion of your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award, the real prize is not the award itself; it is having the opportunity to participate in new activities, and the astonishing experiences you gain throughout the program.
 
-Sgt. Joseph Jeon

In the second section, King's Court Dodge Ball was played.  This is a variation of dodge ball in which players must move to the opposing team's jail (a small area with boundaries) if they are eliminated.  To get back in, eliminated players must catch dodge balls from their own team members while they are in the jail.  Finally, in the third section, was the game Pin Ball Dodge Ball. The objective of this game was to knock down 3 of the opposing team's pins (water bottles).  These pins were set up behind the teams so that they had the opportunity to protect them.  All in all, these variations of dodge ball brought up the spirit and morale of 111 Pegasus Squadron.  Through the wonderful organization of Warrant Officer Second Class Cho, her enthusiastic sports staff, and the NCOs who lent a helping hand, the night went incredibly well.  The most important aspect of this night was that the cadets had fun.  One of the aims of the Air Cadet program is to promote physical fitness.  Evidently, through the laughs, smiles, sweat, and cheers of the cadets, this aim was thoroughly accomplished.
 
-WO2 Paul Opeda

This weekend, the Squadron raised a total of $10,434, which, when combined with our income from fall tag days, makes a grand total for the year of $22,648.  This is an improvement over last year’s fundraising, despite the inclement weather.  Without tag days, running 111 would not be possible, and we would all like to say a huge thank you to all of the cadets, parents, and officers who make these events happen.

-FCpl Derek Strangway

When hiking, you never know when the sort of scenario that these cadets trained for could become a reality.  Many hikers have found themselves lost with night rapidly approaching, and a solid knowledge of the foundations of survival is necessary to prevent a situation such as this from spiralling out of control.

While winter camping, there are some special considerations to take into account.  It is important to stay dry; otherwise you will find yourself dangerously cold very fast.  This means wearing layers, so that you can remove an outer layer in order to prevent yourself from sweating.  Additionally, it is important to keep yourself well fed, as the calories you receive from food will keep you warm at night.

After this exciting opportunity in winter camping, the cadets who attended will be better prepared to tackle any survival challenges that they face.  Additionally, these select few cadets will take their knowledge back to the Squadron, helping younger cadets to excel not only on field training exercises, but also in life outside the cadet program.

-FCpl Derek Strangway