521 News and Updates:

Virtual Summer Training – July & August 2020

As we move forward modernizing the current Cadet Program, staff from across the country have been formulating new ways to deliver engaging training for cadets and adult leaders in a virtual environment.

Exploring virtual training delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed the Cadet Program to move forward in new ways, taking advantage of technology. From virtual seminars to health and fitness challenges, cadets are encouraged to remain active and engaged as we move into the summer period.

This summer three Virtual Cadet Training Centres will help deliver exciting challenges and activities for cadets. Throughout the summer they will offer different opportunities for cadets to further develop both personal and cadet skills in a new, virtual setting.

Cadets will have the opportunities to participate in flexible, voluntary training opportunities either independently at their own pace or in facilitated sessions. This summer will be about engagement and flexibility while continue to focus on the cadet experience.
5-weeks of summer training activities

Cadets will be able to take five weeks of distance learning activities during the summer, for about two to three hours per week. The catelogue can be found here Virtual CTC Catelogue

Registration for these activities will open on Monday, 29 June at 1100hrs EST and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. In order for cadets to register for these activities, Cadets will need to send an email to
VCTCRegistrationPacific@Cadets.gc.ca and 521Air@cadets.gc.ca that includes the following information:

1 – Last Name
2 – First Name
3 – Corps / Squadron Number
4 – Corps / Squadron element
5 – Name of the activity you wish to register for.
6 – Dates of serial you wish to register for.
7 – The language you would like the activity delivered in;
8 – Phone number (will be use as a second factor authentication for your online account)
9 – A email address that the cadet has access to; and
10 – Instrument selection for cadets registering for the music course

Cadets’ email must be sent from their personal email address or an email that they can access. A parent email, that the cadet cannot access, should not be used.

Cadets will be contacted once they are loaded on an activity, and provided instructions on how to log in to the learning tools required to participate in the activity.

June 26, 2020 at 8:18 am

CoVid 19 Update – April 15th, 2020

The following is a message from the Commander of the National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group

COVID – 19 Update
CADETS CANADA·WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020·

The safety and security of all who participate in our programs is always one of my top priorities. Combined with our commitment to developing in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, it was clear to me that Canada’s Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers programs could not in good faith carry on with our planned summer activities while the rest of the Canadian Armed Forces is gearing up to assist Canadians in the face of COVID-19, and any other challenges they may face.

Therefore, that is why, I have made the decision to cancel all in-person Cadet and JCR training activities until 31 August 2020 and have directed that every Cadet and JCR have their training qualifications for this current training year marked as completed. This cancellation decision will affect local training, corps and squadron trips, cadet summer training and activities, in-person training for Cadet Instructors Cadre officers, and, in coordination with the Canadian Army, the JCR enhanced training sessions. This decision ensures the safety and security of everyone who participates in our programs and will ensure that the Cadet program, like the Canadian Armed Forces, does not become a vector to spread COVID-19.

This was not an easy decision, nor was it made in isolation. I have consulted far and wide to ensure that I am taking a measured response to the challenges that lie before us. In order to rise to that challenge, I will require Cadets, COATS members, our volunteers, and key stakeholders including League representatives, to come together – not only to bounce back, but to help improve and enhance the Cadet and JCR programs for the next generation of young Canadians when training is forecasted to resume in September 2020.

The Canadian Armed Forces have always done everything they can to support our programs, from providing medical support, instructors, and facilities which allow us to operate the summer training programs the way we do. The reality is that the Canadian Armed Forces now need to focus on the mission to protect Canadians during this pandemic. Their hard work and dedication will allow us to return stronger than ever.

Even in difficult times we are coming together in new ways. An excellent example was the Battle of Vimy Ridge virtual memorial through social media, which saw hundreds of cadets and JCRs honouring this important battle that shaped our nation. Putting a national-level effort together in this short a timeframe is just one small example of the work being done by local Commanding Officers and their staff, members of the formation and regional headquarters, and Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups to ensure that we remain focused on the Cadet and Junior Canadian Ranger experience. Thank you all for your support and contributions during these difficult times.

I encourage all of you to find new and innovative ways to stay engaged with our programs throughout this pandemic, while respecting physical distancing. I want to thank all of the Corps and Squadron staff as well for their exemplary communication effort – these are challenging times and you have clearly stepped up to the plate.

I have directed my staff to begin planning to explore innovative ways to take advantage of this pause in training to implement new and exciting solutions for today’s youth. Expect to hear more about what this may entail in the weeks to come, as I will be looking at options that will involve employment opportunities for COATS members, Staff Cadets and Civilian Instructors to help make these ideas come to life.

I understand many of you will be disappointed with today’s news. However, the safety and security not only of those involved in our programs, but of all Canadians must be our top concern. The Cadet and Junior Canadian Programs must not be a vector for the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus. I am confident in the strength and resilience of the men and women who not only support and lead this program, but also participate in it. I am extremely proud of all Cadets, Junior Canadian Rangers and adult staff of how you have been adapting to this unprecedented situation and adhering to the Government’s social distancing protocols. Our role now is to demonstrate leadership and citizenship in the face of adversity, and I know that you are all up to the challenge.

D.B. Cochrane
Brigadier-General
Commander

April 20, 2020 at 9:09 am

CoVid 19 Update – March 27th, 2020

We have just received direction from the Commander of the National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group.

Our stand down has been extended until May 1st, 2020. If we receive directions prior to this date we will advise asap.

Please stay safe and if you have questions do not hesitate to ask.

March 27, 2020 at 7:25 pm

CoVid 19 Update – March 15th, 2020

1085-3-4 (Sr PAO Natl CJCR Sp Gp)

15 March 2020

Dear 521 Aurora Parents/Guardians,

The safety and welfare of all who participate in our programs is always our top priority, as such, we take very seriously our responsibility to protect cadets from any real or apparent health or safety concern. Upon careful review of a number of factors, including the potential for risk of exposure and further transmission of COVID-19, the Commander of the National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group has rescinded authorization for all cadet activities until April 3, 2020, prior to that date further direction will be provided, including the potential for this cancellation to be extended and we will communicate this to you as soon as possible.

As you can imagine, decisions to cancel, postpone or reschedule activities and events are never taken lightly. This decision is being made to protect cadets, their families and staff from the unnecessary risk of exposure and the possibility of quarantine or self-isolation.

Rest assured, that we are committed above all to the safety and security of all who participate in our programs, but will look for opportunities to reschedule events or activities to ensure we continue to offer unique and challenging opportunities for the youth of the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers programs.

We will remain in close contact with other youth organizations and school boards. The National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group are taking unprecedented precautions to protect the safety and well-being of all who participate in our programs, in an effort to reduce the possibility of both exposure and further transmission of COVID-19. The National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group will continue to monitor the actions taken by other like-minded youth organizations and will adjust our plans accordingly.

Your understanding with regards to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Capt. Thomas Benton

Commanding Officer 521 Aurora (RCACS)

Canadian Armed Forces

Thomas.Benton@cadets.gc.ca / Tel: 604-768-5032

Commandant 521 Aurora (ECARC)

Forces armées canadiennes

Thomas.Benton@cadets.gc.ca / Tel: 604-768-5032

March 15, 2020 at 10:09 am

Thursday, March 12th, 2020 – Cadet Fitness Assessment

o 1800hrs – 2115hrs

o PT Attire – Clothes and runners for physical training – Bring filled water bottle

o Duty Officer is CI Chartier, Duty NCO is WO1 Fonseka and Duty Flight is Tracker

March 7, 2020 at 11:28 am