Freedom to fly is just one of the many opportunities the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Panther Squadron offers youth 12 to 18.
Earlier this summer 12-year-old Cpl. Aleena Proteau, who joined last year, got to sit at the controls of a glider during a camp in Vernon.
“It was scary at first but it was really fun once you got used to it. I got really used to it so I would go anytime they asked me to,” said Proteau, who even got to fly the glider once they were in the air. “Going up always gives your a little stomach tickle at first but being in the glider I’m very comfortable in it. It was really fun so you can say I did not have any regrets, I wasn’t scared at all.”
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Sept. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., the squadron is holding its annual registration night at 1498 Government St. (North Annex) for the coming year.
Flying in gliders is just one of the opportunities cadets have, others include; survival camps, sports, first aid, marksmanship, biathlon, sports, band aviation classes and much more cadets can take part in through the organization, which has been operating in Penticton for over 70 years.
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Proteau’s favourite part of being an air cadet?
“That’s a question a lot of people keep asking me and my only response is, ‘everything,’ because I literally can’t compare most things to the other,” she said.
The squadron meets each Tuesday from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. from September to June at the Government Street location.
The squadron is looking for young people with an interest in aviation and aerospace, those looking for a challenge, wanting to build self-confidence, learn leadership skills and wanting to make new friends.
For registration, applicants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, provide a B.C. health card, birth certificate (proof of age) and proof of Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status. Registration is also accepted throughout the training year.
Freedom to fly is just one of the many opportunities becoming a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Panther Squadron offers youth 12 to 18. Flying in gliders, going to survival camps, sports, first aid, marksmanship, biathlon, sports, band aviation classes and much more are among the many things cadets can take part in.
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