Didsbury Army Cadets #3025 plan to establish a satellite corps in Sundre with the long-term goal of possibly creating a whole new chapter, depending on growth over the coming years.
Didsbury Army Cadets #3025 plan to establish a satellite corps in Sundre with the long-term goal of possibly creating a whole new chapter, depending on growth over the coming years.
As a Sundre resident and the senior pastor at the Main Avenue Fellowship, Todd MacDonald, who is also the lieutenant and chief training officer for the Didsbury Army Cadets, said he wants to be a part of the effort to introduce an additional opportunity for youths in the community to pursue.
“I live here — I'm invested in this community,” he said, adding there are limited options to help young people in Sundre tap into their potential.
Also serving as a volunteer with Greenwood Neighbourhood Place, MacDonald said one thing led to another and that discussions got underway to consider ways to introduce an army cadet program in Sundre.
“We've been kind of throwing this around for about eight months.”
The Town of Sundre recently carried a motion directing administration to draft a letter of support for the organization's effort to establish the satellite corps in the municipality.
Additionally, the Sundre Legion #223 was more than willing to allow the use of its facility for the army cadets' weekly meetings, known within the organization as parades, he said, adding the parent organization known as the Army Cadet League is also on board, as is Sundre High School.
There are about 40 cadets involved with the Didsbury corps, and organizers are optimistic about starting the Sundre satellite with at least a dozen, he said.
“We're committed. If we can get between 12 and 20, it is a very viable option.”
Should that figure increase to roughly 30 following a few years of growth, MacDonald said efforts could then begin to establish an independent Sundre corps, which would also require raising funds and obtaining equipment as the group would essentially be starting from scratch. However, at least some groundwork is in place.
“We've already got a well-established training plan.”
The Army Cadets is a federally regulated program geared for youths aged 12-18 that includes activities such as camping, physical fitness, target range practice with air rifles, as well as lessons on citizenship and community awareness, he said.
“There's very little, if any, military training. We're not training child soldiers, but rather encouraging youth to be more active citizens and leaders in their communities.”
Among some of the famous Canadians who once were cadets are country singer George Canyon and astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield. Involvement in the cadets makes a great job reference and opens many doors for a young person's future, said MacDonald.
Additionally, adolescents who see that the cadet corps is a welcoming organization that offers a viable option for after-school activities for training and personal growth will take more pride in themselves and their communities.
“That's one of the things we're after,” he said, referring to fostering in young people pride in themselves, their communities, and their leadership skills.
A launch for the satellite Didsbury Army Cadet corps in Sundre is scheduled for March 21 starting at 7 p.m. at the local legion, he said, adding organizers anticipate starting weekly parades some time in April.
Anyone who might be interested in learning more about the program, volunteering to get involved, or perhaps even registering a youth, is welcome to contact MacDonald either by phone at 403-426-0014 or by email at [email protected].
