      A number of members of the Canora air cadets participated in summer camps where they learned important skills while meeting new people from across Canada.
           F/Cpl. Juan Mesa Castenada attended an air rifle marksmanship instructor camp in Whitehorse, Yukon. Even though it’s over 2,800 kilometres from Canora, Castenada felt quite comfortable during the six-week camp, since the rugged landscape around Whitehorse reminded him of his native country of Columbia.
           During the camp, Castenada had the opportunity to develop marksmanship skills and knowledge, and to instruct and lead air rifle marksmanship activities. Activities include first aid, advanced marksmanship, instructional techniques and coaching. He said he especially enjoyed the biathlon, which combines shooting and running.
           Castenada said he made a number of new friends at the camp, and enjoyed extra-curricular activities such as swimming and going to the movies. He said he would definitely recommend the camp to other cadets interested in pursuing the area of air rifle marksmanship instructor.
           Cpl. Jamie Katryniuk was at a general training camp in Cold Lake, Alta. for two weeks in August. The camp provides cadets who have recently joined the cadet program an introductory summer training experience where they participated in a variety of activities from each specialty, including drill and ceremonial, music, marksmanship, aviation, aerodrome operations, aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, aerospace, and aircrew survival.
           Katryniuk said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially the survival training, marksmanship and classroom sessions on the how an airplane flies. He enjoyed meeting other participants in the camp, and would definitely recommend it to other cadets interested in these areas of study.
            F/Cpl. Avery Hanson attended a basic drill and ceremonial camp in Vernon, B.C. in July. He found the weather to be very hot and humid, but thoroughly enjoyed the activities.
           The camp provided cadets an opportunity to build on drills learned in their own squadrons. They participated in advanced drill and ceremonial activities, and developed leadership skills and knowledge, while performing the role of a team leader. Activities included commanding a squad on parade, drill with arms, flag drill, and marksmanship training.
           Hanson said he’s very interested in drill-related activities and would like to pursue this area in the future to improve his skills.
           He enjoyed meeting other cadets from across Canada and would recommend this camp to anyone who shares his interest in drills.
           F/Cpl. Gracie Paul attended a basic aviation camp in Cold Lake in July. She said it was a memorable experience and she acquired a great deal of useful knowledge.
           The camp provides cadets an opportunity to develop the fundamentals of aviation. Activities included radio communication, a familiarization flight, meteorology, and air navigation.    Â
           They were taught how to read a visual navigation chart (VAC) to identify a certain spot on a map. Paul said they met pilots and asked them questions relating to aviation.
           She enjoyed meeting cadets from across Canada who share the same interests, and would recommend the camp to anyone interested in aviation.   Â
           Paul plans to apply for the advanced aviation course next summer to further pursue her interest in becoming a pilot.
           This year’s new Canora air cadet recruits are Tessa Spokes and Cayleigh Ives.
           Upcoming events for Canora air cadets include: a biathlon competition in Kamsack on September 30, a raffle ticket fundraiser on October 7-8, a bottle drive fundraiser on October 14 and a poppy drive in support of the Royal Canadian Legion on October 28.
