NEWS RELEASE
ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS
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BORDEN — Local Air cadet, Avantika Nagaonkar of 128 Thorold Flying Dragons Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Thorold, Ont., is ascending to new heights this summer during the Advanced Aviation Course at Blackdown Cadet Training Centre (CTC).
Nagaonkar has joined around 100 others from across Canada for the four-week course at the CTC. The Advanced Aviation Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aviation activities. During the course, cadets learn instructional techniques, aviation communication and meteorology.
“For me, Advanced Aviation is important to me as I want to take the things I learn this summer and use them to be successful in Glider ground school next year,” said Nagaonkar. “I also want to pass down the knowledge I gain about aviation to the cadets at my squadron.”
Nagaonkar joined cadets two years ago because she was interested in what she had seen about the Cadet Program and wanted to experience being a part of a unique organization.
“When I first joined cadets, I was very inspired as it was enjoyable for me to learn new things,” she said. “Especially coming in as a more socially awkward and shy person, I was able to eventually get comfortable, and expand my friendship circle and progress from there.”
Nagaonkars favorite part about summer training is “the life-long friends to be made,” she said. “My best friend is also here, which is amazing.”
When asked what stood out to her about the Cadet Program, she replied: “Cadets has taught me how to be more ‘me.’ Growing up, I realized I was someone who tried to fit into places where I didn’t really want to be, but through cadets, I realized that the most important thing to do, is to just be me.”
“So, for anyone who is considering joining cadets ‘go with your gut’. I didn’t want to join cadets at first, but I’m here almost 3 years later, enjoying myself at a camp experience I couldn’t get elsewhere,” she said.
Nagaonkar says that “when I return from camp, I want to have focused on my leadership skills, drill voice, and discipline.”
Cadets from the Advanced Aviation course have had several opportunities to participate in unique experiences including gliding at Borden Cadet Flying Site; gaining insight from pilots of 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, experiencing a Griffon helicopter, and taking a field trip to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton.
Attending summer training is one of many activities available to youth at local, regional, and national levels in the Canadian Cadet Program year-round. The Cadet Program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 years old and develops confident, self-sufficient leaders who form lasting friendships and are engaged in their communities while promoting physical fitness, healthy living, and fostering an interest in the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. If you are ready for the challenge, visit www.canada.ca/join-cadets.
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