DIDSBURY – The 3025 Didsbury Service Battalion Army Cadet Corps is seeing an increase in numbers, say officials.
The local corps began its new year back in September.
Squad leader Tim Kaczmarski said the corps has seen its numbers grow to around 40.
"It's been a slow increase but we've reached a nice milestone," said Kaczmarski.
The corps features male and female cadets between the ages of 12 and 19. Kaczmarski said the group is focusing on developing leadership skills.
"We parade on Thursday evenings at the Victoria Square Mall," he said. "We've been working on leadership, as well as we're going to be doing some winter/cold weather training in the next couple weeks. In the spring we'll be having a navigation/trekking exercise."
Kaczmarski said that for the navigation exercise the cadets use compasses and maps.
"We also teach a bit of GPS so they're aware of the technology and how to combine the new technology with the old school maps," he said.
The cadets wrap up their season in June. They are still taking in new members. Anyone interested can visit the group's Facebook site 3025 Army Cadets.
"Enrolment is year-round," he said. "Our Facebook page has a bit of info. They can leave a message and either myself or one of my other staff members will reply to any messages left on that page."
Other events the cadets are involved with include the Remembrance Day ceremonies each year.
"It was fantastic," he said. "My training officer, Todd MacDonald, oversaw the Didsbury service. I was down in Carstairs because I'm also the sergeant-at-arms for the Carstairs Legion."
The cadets in the Didsbury corps come from all around Mountain View County, said Kaczmarski.
Kaczmarski said there are many benefits to belonging to cadets including learning life skills, leadership, friendship, learning about the Canadian Forces, improving physical fitness and more.
"We also teach a bit of GPS so they're aware of the technology and how to combine the new technology with the old school maps."
