Learn about 781 McCall Field Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
781 “McCall Field” Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron is one of Calgary’s premier youth leadership and aviation organizations. Founded in the heart of northwest Calgary, the squadron proudly serves more than 200 cadets between the ages of 12 and 18, providing opportunities for leadership development, citizenship, physical fitness, aviation training, and community service.
The squadron conducts its regular training parades every Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Throughout the training year, cadets may also participate in specialized training, team practices, community events, and extracurricular activities held on Monday and Tuesday evenings, as well as occasional weekends.
Through a diverse range of programs including aviation studies, drill and ceremonial training, marksmanship, biathlon, effective speaking, leadership development, and community engagement, 781 “McCall Field” Squadron empowers young Canadians to develop confidence, discipline, and lifelong skills while fostering friendships and a strong sense of service to their community.
For some general information on our Squadron we are pleased to publish the following article submitted by one of our cadets:
Whether or not you have heard about Air Cadets, here is your chance to learn what it means to me personally and why you should try it out for yourself. The benefits that can be gained from belonging to this youth program are unlimited and incredible, to say the least. Opportunities arise constantly; it is just up to you to grasp them and use them to your own advantage. There are many activities to participate in, awards to earn, challenges to be met, and friends to be made. Most of all, Air Cadets will deliver you to a whole world of learning and challenges. You will develop useful, lifelong skills that can be taken with you to school, work and any place else.
There are several weekly activities available through this program in addition to the parade nights. Drill team, flag party, biathlon, military band, pipes & drums band, and ground school are some examples of what Air Cadets has to offer. Air Cadets also proudly wear a blue uniform that shows professionalism, not to mention badges and ranks. It is very important to remember that the Air Cadet program is completely cost-free, including the extra activities and camps!
There are also summer camps and various weekend activities including gliding, camping and service functions. At Field Training Exercises, the cadets learn survival and have a lot of fun in the wilderness. The summer camps are anywhere from two to seven weeks long and you will even be paid a training bonus of $60.00 per week to go! At the camp, you will make friends from across Canada and incredible memories. There are basic training camps for beginners and introductory courses for junior cadets.
Lastly, there are advanced specialty courses/scholarships available for senior cadets who earn the privilege to attend such courses. Cadets can receive their glider and/or pilot’s licenses over the summer, or even travel outside the country through international exchanges. Cadets also have the option of staffing at any one of these camps.
It is difficult to imagine what I would be like without these experiences because they have impacted my life in such a phenomenal way. The hundreds of teens enrolled in this program have skills and knowledge that will give them advantages throughout their lives. Air Cadets has given me the determination to accomplish high-set goals, a chance to help others learn, and the experience of a lifetime. We, the Air Cadets, encourage you to take on the challenge of joining the Air Cadet team so that you too will experience a fun, beneficial, unforgettable adventure that you will never regret. We dare you!