Flight Sgt. Breanna Williams with 848 Royal Roads Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets knows what itB次元官网网址檚 like to be a newcomer.

Having spent a year in Navy League in Dartmouth, N.S., she found herself having to adjust to life on the West Coast and a new cadet group after her father was transferred to B.C. She recalls her initial feelings suiting up with her new squadron mates in Langford and how it was difficult at first to fit in.

B次元官网网址淥n my first night I looked a little different: I was wearing a different shirt under my tunic and my shoulder flashes said B次元官网网址�18 DartmouthB次元官网网址� and everyone elseB次元官网网址檚 said 848 Royal Roads,B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淚 felt so out of place. Thankfully, there was one person who welcomed me in and wanted to befriend me. I learned a great lesson from that person and now I make a point of welcoming all our new cadets from different squadrons and corps who feel out of place.B次元官网网址�

Williams is one of a number of female youth in the squadron who have found it to be a place to learn discipline, responsibility and leadership. She is a good example of what can be achieved through hard work and focus, as she was recently presented with a Silver Duke of Edinburgh Youth Award by Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon at Government House.

B次元官网网址淏ecause of her perseverance and her heavy involvement with the cadet program and with the squadron, she was able to meet all the requirements to receive it,B次元官网网址� said Capt. Mandart Chan, commanding officer of the 848.

Like Williams, Flight Sgt. Cailyn Wilcox joined the 848 from a squadron far across the country, but has thrived since transferring to the Langford branch after her family moved to this area.

Wilcox came to the 848 from LB次元官网网址檈scadron 643 St-Hubert in Longeuile, Que., where she learned her drills in French. She has attended summer camps across Canada, including on Vancouver Island, and has worked her way up the ranks as sheB次元官网网址檚 learned a variety of skills, from aviation to personal health and squadron management.

B次元官网网址淔or the last five years, I have been proud to call myself a cadet,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 have learned how to be a proper cadet, how to polish my boots, iron my uniform, learn about aviation, learn about drill and all the different pathways you can take in your career as a cadet. I have made so many friends over these past years and still keep in touch with many of them today.B次元官网网址�

Chan has an idea why the 848 and cadets in general appeals to girls.

B次元官网网址淚t appeals to young females because itB次元官网网址檚 not like a sport where itB次元官网网址檚 a girls team or a boys team, weB次元官网网址檙e all one team, regardless of gender,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淓verything that you join, weB次元官网网址檙e all one team.B次元官网网址�

That much was clear recently, when the squadron engaged in a two-day field exercise at Camp Barnard. Cadets teamed up on a number of activities and skill-building drills.

The squadron, which was formed 40 years ago as 848 Colwood but was renamed Royal Roads some years later, averages between 40 to 50 cadets on parade at its weekly Tuesday night meeting. New members between age 12 and 18 are accepted at any time, Chan said.

Asked what keeps cadets coming back and what attracts newcomers, he said, B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 the fact that we keep them busy. If you look at our schedule, there are very few days where we donB次元官网网址檛 keep them busy.B次元官网网址�

From music to air rifle target shooting to aviation and more, there is bound to be some activity that peaks a youthB次元官网网址檚 interests, he added.

Interested parties can stop by the 848 Royal Roads Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron meeting Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. at Lighthouse Christian Academy 1289 Parkdale Dr.

Or to find more information visit or email 848air@cadets.gc.ca.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com