524 Sturgeon Royal Canadian Air Cadets

Commander's Update

We’re back! You should have received an email with the updated links for the next several weeks of training over the weekend, and we can’t wait to see you tonight at 7 PM! With that being said, just a reminder that you should have a few simple supplies with you for tonight’s activity! - Some pieces of cardboard and paper... - Binder clip - Paper clip - Scissors/exacto-knife - Glue stick - Pen/marker See you soon!

Important Announcement! Tonight’s training (January 5) will be for Flight Sergeants and Warrant Officers ONLY. Information has been sent to your email. Regular training for ALL cadets will resume on Tuesday, January 12. We will be sending out additional information over the next week, so please monitor your email. If you have NOT been receiving emails up to this point, please contact [email protected] and provide us with the cadet’s name and email address so we can update o...ur mailing list. We’re excited for 2021! There’s lots of great things coming and we can’t wait to share them with you!

It is with great sorrow that 524 Sturgeon has lost another Commanding Officer. Your time with our squadron was greatly appreciated and had a vast impact on many lives. May you Rest in Peace

2020 was definitely a different year! Our lives were turned upside-down and we saw changes to the way we learn, work, teach, communicate, and even just go about every day tasks we once took for granted. Within the cadet program we are constantly learning to adapt to these changes! 2020 saw a shift to online content delivery that in some aspects we’re still fully trying to understand. Throughout it all, though, the perseverance of the cadets and their willingness to work with ...staff as everyone navigated these uncharted waters was outstanding! As we begin 2021, we know there are still a lot of unanswered questions, and unfortunately we still don’t have all of the answers. What we can say is that we look forward to continuing to provide the cadet program safely and effectively as we explore new and exciting opportunities! 2021 has lots of potential, and we’re glad to have you all join us on this adventure. So, from the staff and volunteers of 524 RCACS, we would like to thank you all for your support throughout 2020, and here’s to a safe and successful 2021, however that looks!

New Recruits: Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, we are unable to proceed with our Open House & Recruit Night, as we have in the past. Instead, those who are interested are welcome to look at the Cadets.ca website for great information about Cadets. If you have any questions, the Contact Us page www.524sturgeon.ca/contact-us.html on our website, has multiple ways to get in touch with us. We look forward to you having your child join us this training year.... Returning Cadets: The first Parade Night for this Training Year will be Tuesday, October 6th. An Email will be sent out prior to that date, with information in regards to the new training year. Please check the website for updates as we will be posting more information prior to the first night of the 2020/2021 Training Year.

With the coming of the fall season normally comes the close of our summer activities, and a return to our regular routines. Summer vacations wind down, we retur...n to school, to work, and, of course, back to Cadets. This year, however, continues to be very different. It is assumed that the COVID-19 pandemic could last 18 months or longer, and the virus will likely return in multiple waves continuing to pose a threat to the Canadian Public. Therefore, a return to normalcy is not forecasted any time soon and we should expect to prepare for a new normal. As such, we have been hard at work to prepare a plan for what the return of the Cadet Program will look like. The safety and security of all who participate in our programs remain our top priority, and has been at the heart of every decision made. Steps to ensure that the proper precautions have been taken to ensure we do everything we can to protect our cadets and staff and prevent the Cadet Program from becoming a vector for the further transmission of COVID-19 are being put in place. To provide corps / squadron staff time to ensure they are able to support the possible resumption of limited in-person cadet activities, there will be a delay in the start-up of in-person Cadet Activities until at least 1 October 2020. Corps and squadrons are encouraged to use the time in September to connect virtually with their cadets and parents. Some of the major highlights of Task Order 2 include: 1. Update for in-person activities a. No in-person training/events/activities are to commence prior to 1 Oct 20. Virtual engagement may commence on 1 Sep 20 while preparations for in-person gatherings are underway. b. Facility and event checklists will need to be filled out by corps/squadrons COs for approval by the Chain of command prior to allowing limited in-person activities for parade nights and subsequent activities. c. Virtual CTC completed Friday 14 Aug, 2020, will be gathering lessons learned to apply to the upcoming cadet year. 2. Planning a. 1-30 Sep preparations may include staff meetings at the parade location (adults only) provided Public Health Measures (PHM) are adhered to 3. Fundraising a. No in-person fundraising activities involving cadets and adult staff are authorized until further notice. 4. When training resumes a. Cadets and adult staff (CAF, CIs, and volunteers) must inform their chain of command if they have been tested for COVID-19 and also the results. b. When the time comes for in person activities, non-medical masks (NMMs) will be provided by the CAF to all cadets and staff; however, in the interim, cadets and staff may use personally procured NMMs if they have them. c. Wearing of non-medical masks during in-person activities will be dependent on the local situation (e.g., school board direction, Provincial / Municipal regulations), ensuring 2m physical distancing. Additional direction may following prior to 1 Oct 2020. d. If COVID awareness training is required for all occupants to enter a facility (i.e. an armoury), cadets will individually complete our online COVID training course and advise their corps/sqn staff of completion, prior to entering the facility. e. Previous direction regarding international cadet training/events remains extant. Given the state of COVID and global projections; No international cadet training/events will occur prior to 1 Sep 21, this includes all Exchanges (i.e. ISCA, IACE, Maple Leaf, etc.). f. Inter-provincial/territorial travel is limited to program participants who reside within one hour of a provincial/territorial border and must cross it in order to attend regular parade nights or other approved day only training activities. There will be no commercial air travel, Ground transport must be arranged and carried out in a manner that ensures 2 metre distancing between passengers, with appropriate cleaning protocol. Self-travel for any cadet activities is limited to within 1 hour of the parade location in order to maximize parental drop off / pick up of their child; Exception to the 1 hour limitation will be approved by the RCSU CO. g. No overnight travel is authorized until further notice. This means, for example, day only field exercises and no recreational trips outside the 1-hour driving limitations. h. We are planning for day camps during the spring break 2021 period across Canada. Looking at up to approximately 6,000 cadets getting the opportunity and parents dropping off and picking up. We are exploring the use of local armouries, facilities with the focus being on safe, fun and exciting activities for the cadets. 5. Subsequent updates a. Subsequent direction will follow Not Before 1 Nov 20 in regards to CTCs for Summer 2021. 6. Update - Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC) and Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC) a. The decision to conduct the PPTC and GPTC will be made by Comd Natl CJCR Sp Gp in the Nov/Dec 2020 timeframe. b. Note: Force generation of glider instructors will need to be the first priority to ensure viability of the glider program in the future. c. There is planned to be a selection process for both GPTC and PPTC this training year. d. PPTC and GPTC could resume, conditions permitting, during summer 2021, but there are no guarantees that approval will be given to conduct these courses given COVID-19. e. Additionally, cadet familiarization flying (power and glider), could also resume, conditions permitting, but no earlier than summer 2021.

524 has lost another great Commanding Officer and friend. Captain Fred Johnson (CO est. 2003-2006) passed away yesterday. He was a great man, wonderful CO, and all around great volunteer. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

Course selections are starting to be announced and cadets may have received an email telling them that the...y have been registered and about the platforms that they will be using for the summer. If you have applied to attend a Virtual Cadet Training Centre (VCTC) this summer, you may want to bookmark this page! This page provides Information Technology (IT) information and resources for course cadets attending the VCTC during the summer of 2020. Course cadets will primarily use two digital resources this summer: 1. A communication and collaboration platform known as GCcollab 2. Learning materials located on the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO) Extranet. Want to know more about the platforms? Check out the page: https://www.canada.ca//members/itinformationcadets2020.html

Good Evening Cadets! There is some really interesting points in here in regards to our new training year. Please have a read, if you have any questions please feel free to contact the officers who will do thier best to help you out. ... There is lots to consider, and your and your families input mean everything for our squadron. Please PM any suggestions/concerns you may have. Capt Olson

Registration opens today! Here is some more information for you guys too!! You can register up to 3 courses, on a first come first serve basis. Get on that horn!!!

This just came down the pipe cadets! All cadets are eligible to sign up for any course they may like :) Some of these look really awesome, I am jealous! ... Take a peak and let me know if you have questions!! Capt Olson

30 min to meeting time! Super excited and on location30 min to meeting time! Super excited and on location

Today, would have been 524s Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR). I know that I am not alone in mourning the loss of such a monumental day in a cadet Training year. We were going to use today to kick off our 70th year, we had big plans for this ACR.... next years will be even brighter! We may not be able to be together, but lets share our favorite memory of ACRs, cadets present and past! There are great stories out there!! #524ACR Capt Olson

Something to check out! Great envolvment for the summer!

We Just Heard the news! Congratulations to one of our very own, Warren Rubin, on winning the May 20th draw for the Air Cadet League cash Calendar!We Just Heard the news! Congratulations to one of our very own, Warren Rubin, on winning the May 20th draw for the Air Cadet League cash Calendar!

Our meeting is starting right away! Who is excited?!Our meeting is starting right away! Who is excited?!

Hi everyone, Everyone can enjoy the last jice day of the week tomorrow, go for a hike, play catch, or lounge and read a book... we will be taking a well deserved night off! See you all on May 26th for full squadron Bingo! Captain Olson

Full Squadron chat tomorrow, 730!! Check your emails! We have some fun activities planned he he Capt OlsonFull Squadron chat tomorrow, 730!! Check your emails! We have some fun activities planned he he Capt Olson

Using a fun game to have a great night with the cadets!! Not to late to join!!

Its Administrators day, 524 would like to do a BIG shout out to all the administrators within the cadet organization! Every position his an administrative duty, but none more so that our Admin Officer CI Carolyne Hutchings! Thank you for all you do

A message for all our cadets and families. Our online sessions will help keep us connected. Heart wrenching news, but essential

Cadets! First video call is tonight! Check your emails for the link :) So excited to see all of you tonight! Capt OlsonCadets! First video call is tonight! Check your emails for the link :) So excited to see all of you tonight! Capt Olson

Good Evening! Yesterday I started looking at the cadet year and reaching out to cadet families. Today, I needed a rest. Starting tomorrow I will be personally calling all cadet families to discuss our current plan moving forward :) The staff are excited about the new opportunities presented to us during this pandemic! Till tomorrow! ... Capt. Olson See more

The Cadet Program has been preparing Youth for this since forever! Arms dressing every one, arms dressing!

Brigadier-General Cochrane, Commander of the National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers has an important message for Cadets, Staff, parents, and our stakeholder...s: The safety and welfare of everyone who participates in the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Programs is always MY top priority. As such, I take very seriously the responsibility to protect cadets, JCRs and their supervisors 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, I have rescinded authorization for all international and domestic recreational trips through April 30, 2020. As a result of the announcement by the World Health Organization, I have also directed additional limitations be placed on Cadet Corps or Squadron Activities. The cadet and Junior Canadian Ranger program is a safe, fun and secure place for young people to enjoy experiences they cant get anywhere else, and we want to ensure that we can continue to offer these valuable programs in communities across the country. One very important way you can help us accomplish this is, if you are experiencing symptoms such as cough and fever, please take the time to recover before returning to cadet activities. You will not be penalized, but must notify your cadet corps, squadron or Junior Canadian Ranger Patrol to ensure that your absence is recorded as excused, and we can continue to track, assist and further protect the Cadet program and its participants from further exposure and transmission. As you know, decisions to cancel, postpone or reschedule activities and events are never taken lightly. I want to re-emphasize that these actions are being taken to protect cadets, their families and staff from the unnecessary risk of exposure and the possibility of quarantine or self-isolation, either overseas or here in Canada. We will endeavour to find opportunities to reschedule core events and activities to ensure we continue to offer unique and challenging opportunities for the youth of the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers programs. In line with other youth organizations and school boards, we are taking these unprecedented precautions to protect the safety and well-being of all who have dedicated their time and efforts to the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers programs. We will continue to monitor the actions taken by other like-minded youth organizations, in cooperation with local, provincial and federal health officials, and will adjust our approach as it continues to unfold. Cadet Corps and Squadrons and Junior Canadian Rangers Patrols should consult their chain of command for guidance should there be any changes required to programs or activities. I am proud of the maturity shown by the Staff, Cadets, and other stakeholders as we navigate this and for continuing to be understanding. We hope that we will be back to our normal rhythm as soon as we can.

Proud to have been a part of this! Way to go 524 RCACS!

When the sign up sheets are available, links will be located on our websites home page 524sturgeon.ca , under Training Events

Congratulations WO1 Molly Harris on Graduating the Air Cadet Program. Your enthusiasm and energy will be missed. We wish you the best on all your future endeavors!!

Congratulations to all the promotions and awards handed out to cadets, this evening!!

Came across this image today, anyone notice anything familiar about it?

The Squadron website is back up at www.524sturgeon.ca, feel free to have a gander.

Its 1:18 am, 5 hrs in 6.5 hrs left.... why not a badminton balloon 90s throwback party?!?!

Wake a thon is well underway! Cadets are currently working on preparing thier own supper! On the Menu: Teriyaki Stir Fry, Brown Sugar Meat Loaf, Classy Chicken (Chicken Divan), Greek Salad and Carrot Cake for dessert

DUE TO A SCHEDULING ERROR WITH FACILITIES - THE WAKE A THON TIMING HAS CHANGED TO 4PM ARRIVAL ON SAT FEB 1, 2020DUE TO A SCHEDULING ERROR WITH FACILITIES - THE WAKE A THON TIMING HAS CHANGED TO 4PM ARRIVAL ON SAT FEB 1, 2020

Congratulations to FSgt Harris on your Cadet Service Medal Congratulations to WOII Dion on your rosette for 5 years of service

DUE TO THE FRIDGID TEMPERATURE, CADETS WILL BE CANCELLED TOMORROW EVENING. Our cooking class will be rescheduled!DUE TO THE FRIDGID TEMPERATURE, CADETS WILL BE CANCELLED TOMORROW EVENING. Our cooking class will be rescheduled!

An amazing story of a ALBERTA AIR CADET becoming an astronaut! Goes to show that if you set your mind to something it is forever within your reach! Way to go 341 Mundare!

January 18, 2020 cadets will be participating in a tour of the Royal Alberta Musuem. Visit out sign up sheet at Signupgenius.com or the below link for the details :) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d48aba822a1f94-royal

Reminder that the cadet Bottle Drive is tomorrow 9-3pm. Gibbons town office parking lot :) Please dress warm! And any parent volunteers would be appreciated!

The Cadets completed our Annual Christmas Mess Dinner last night We welcomed guests from Stratchan Navy League Cadets :) As part of squadron tradition, the Commanding officer will switch places and tunics with the youngest cadet of the squadron. Great fun and memories were made! Merry Christmas from 524 Sturgeon RCACS

December Promotions: Congratulations to those who received a promotion this month. Warrants; Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the program. The new rank is a reflection of your effort and service.

FOR THOSE CADETS THAT SIGNED UP! Mess Dinner at Fort Sask Legion, 545pm until 900pm TONIGHT! Full uniform, no wedge or nametags.FOR THOSE CADETS THAT SIGNED UP! Mess Dinner at Fort Sask Legion, 545pm until 900pm TONIGHT! Full uniform, no wedge or nametags.