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

For a select few individuals, flying is a passion.  In my case, it is a passion that I noticed from a very young age, and as is the case with most young people, I decided I had to fuel that desire.  Unfortunately, flying is also a very expensive activity to decide to base your life around.  However, the air cadet program solves that problem.  For me, cadets is a place to fuel my desire to become a commercial pilot, as well as help others who are on similar paths.  There are many opportunities for those of us who look to the sky in the cadet program, such as ground school, and the highly competitive glider and power pilot scholarships.  However, the most fun activity that is accessible to every cadet in the Squadron is familiarization flying.

A usual familiarization flight at 111 is a two-hour ride in a Cessna 172.  The Cessna 172 is a small, four-seat single engine aircraft.  The plane will depart from Boundary Bay Airport, before flying in between local airports to land, and give cadets an opportunity to change seats, to ensure that every cadet gets an opportunity to sit in the front seat.  If the weather is smooth, cadets may even get a chance to control the aircraft!  For many licensed cadet pilots, a familiarization flight was their first taste of what would later become a career.  While on the familiarization flight, cadets can ask questions of their pilot, as well as take in the breathtaking views that can only be found from an aircraft.  The best part of this adventure is that it is provided completely free!
 
Familiarization flying, and the cadet program in general, is not only a unique experience, but also a chance to connect with people who have the same interests as you.  Many of my best friends I met through cadets, and many of my mentors and the people who help me to get through flight training are people whom I have met through the cadet program.  Familiarization flying is an amazing and unique opportunity, and for young cadets who have a passion for flight, can be the moment when they stop dreaming, and start making their goals realities.
 
-FCpl Derek Strangway