Summer Training

Updated for the 2024 Summer Training Courses

All cadets applying for cadet summer training must be medically fit and submit an application.  Note that due to the remote location of some Cadet Training Centres (CTCs), cadets with severe allergies or other medical conditions that may require rapid medical attention may be precluded from attending certain courses.

Cadets must have parental consent and must be recommended by their Commanding Officer.  The cadet must have successfully completed the required training and meet any other prerequisite(s) specific to the course for which the application is made.  Cadets must have demonstrated an interest in, and aptitude for, further air cadet training.  Cadets who report for summer training and are found not to meet course prerequisites may be re-coursed or returned to unit (RTU), at the discretion of the CTC CO.

Cadets are selected for National Summer Training courses through a Provincial and National selection process.  Selections for these courses follow strict criteria that considers length of cadet service, rank, proficiency level, previous summer training, school marks, general knowledge, dress, deportment, motivation, interest and aptitude.

Common Courses

For all common courses, the prerequisite is the completion of level 2 by June 30, 2024.

Introduction to Marksmanship (ITM): This course enables cadets to acquire specialized skills and knowledge in marksmanship, facilitating their participation in zone and regional marksmanship competitions. It equips them to mentor junior cadets in marksmanship while advancing the skills learned in the program is a two week course and the training location will be at Vernon CTC. Dates include: July 15 -26, 2024 or July 29 - August 9, 2024.

Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial (ITDC): This course engages cadets with the chance to enhance their leadership abilities and deepen their knowledge and skills in drill and ceremonial practices acquired in the program. This is a two week course and the training location will be at Vernon CTC. Dates include: July 15 -26, 2024 or July 29 - August 9, 2024 or August 12 - 23, 2024.

Introduction to Fitness and Sports (ITFS): This course offers cadets a chance to refine skills acquired in the squadron Program, aiding in fitness and sports training within the squadron Program. Additionally, participants learn about embracing a healthy lifestyle. This is a two week course and the training location will be at Vernon CTC. Dates include: July 15 -26, 2024 or July 29 - August 9, 2024 or August 12 - 23, 2024.

Introduction to Military Band (ITMB): This course allows cadets to continue honing their understanding and proficiency in music, drill, ceremonial practices, and leadership skills acquired through the squadron/program. This is a two week course and the training location will be at HMCS Quadra CTC. Date(s) include: August 12 - 23, 2024.

Introduction to Pipe Band (ITPB): This course allows cadets to continue honing their understanding and proficiency in music, drill, ceremonial practices, and leadership skills acquired through the squadron/program. This is a two week course and the training location will be at Blackdown CTC. Date(s) include: August 5 - 15, 2024.

Air Cadet Courses

Aviation Techonology and Aerospace (ATA): This course offers cadets the chance to lay the groundwork in aerospace studies, airport operations, and the principles of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Activities within this program encompass exploring aerospace concepts, learning about aerodrome operations, and gaining insight into aircraft manufacturing and maintenance processes. This is a two week course and the training location will be at HMCS Quadra CTC. Dates include: July 15 - 26, 2024 or July 29 - August 9, 2024 or August 12 - 23, 2024. The prerequisite of this course is the completion of level two.

Advanced Aviation (AA): 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. Activities include instructional techniques, aviation communication, and meteorology. This is a four week course and the training location will be at HMCS Quadra CTC. Date(s) include: July 15 - August 9, 2024. The prerequisite of this course is the completion of level three.

Introduction to Survival (ITS): This course allows cadets to cultivate essential aircrew survival skills. Activities involve practical field training and navigation exercises to enhance survival proficiency. This is a two week course and the training location will be at Vernon CTC. Dates include: July 15 -26, 2024 or July 29 - August 9, 2024 or August 12 - 23, 2024. The prerequisites of this course is the completion of level two.

Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC): The Glider Pilot Training Course is a six- or seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Glider Pilot License. The training location will be at St-Jean CFTC or Trenton CFTC. Date(s) include: July 1 - August 9, 2024. The prerequisites of this course are the completion of level 3, and 16 years of age by 1 Sep of activity participation. Additonal requirements can be found here.

Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC): The Power Pilot Training Course is a seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Power Pilot License. The training location is TBD. Date(s) include: July 8 - August 22, 2024. The prerequisites of this course are the completion of level 4, and 17 years of age by 1 Sep of activity participation. Additonal requirements can be found here.

Instructor Courses

The instructor courses provides cadets with the knowledge required to become instructors at the squadron level. 

For all instructor courses, the prerequisite is the completion of level 3 by June 30, 2024.

Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course (DCIC): This course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of a Drill and Ceremonial Instructor. Activities include advanced drill, instructional techniques and leadership in the conducting of parades and ceremonies. This is a four week course and the training location will be at Vernon CTC or Whitehorse CTC. Date(s) include: July 15 - August 9, 2024.

Survival Instructor Course (SIC): This course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to perform the duties of a Survival Instructor and team leader for aircrew survival activities. Activities include aircrew survival skills, team and solo survival exercises, aircrew survival exercise operations, instructional technique, and navigation by map and compass. This is a four week course and the training location will be at Cold Lake CTC date(s) including July 15 - August 9, 2024 or at Whitehorse CTC date(s) including July 29 - August 23, 2024.

Fitness and Sports Instructor Course (FSI): This course provides cadets an opportunity to further personal fitness and healthy living knowledge and skills, and develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of a Fitness and Sports Instructor. Activities include personal fitness, healthy living, conducting the Cadet Fitness Assessment, and leading physical activities. This is a four week course and the training location will be at Vernon. Date(s) include: July 15 - August 9, 2024.

Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course (ARMI): This course provides cadets an opportunity to further personal marksmanship knowledge and skills, and develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of an Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor. Activities include marksmanship techniques, instructional techniques, and coaching. Cadets attending this course will also have an opportunity to progress in their marksmanship level qualification. This is a four week course and the training location will be at Vernon CTC. Date(s) include: July 15 - August 9, 2024.

Military Band Musician (MB): This course provides cadets an opportunity to develop music skills to support participation in and / or leading corps/squadron military bands. Activities include music training and band activities such as music theory, music technique, band drill, leadership and performing ensemble music. Cadets attending this course will also have the opportunity to progress in their music proficiency level qualifications. This is a four week course and the training location will be at HMCS Quadra CTC. Date(s) include: July 15 - August 9, 2024. The prerequisites of this course also include music proficiency level: Musician Level 2.

Pipe Band Musician (PB): This course provides cadets an opportunity to develop music skills to support participation in and / or leading corps/squadron pipe bands. Activities include music training and band activities such as music theory, music technique, band drill, leadership and performing pipe band music. Cadets attending this course will also have the opportunity to progress in their music proficiency level qualifications. This is a four week course and the training location will be at Blackdown CTC. Date(s) include: July 8- August 1, 2024. The prerequisites of this course also include music proficiency level: Pipes and Drums Level 2.

 Technology and Digital Learning Centre (TDLC)

These courses will be delivered virtually and will require the use of Cadet365. Cadets attending the TDLC require a laptop/computer, stable internet connection, webcam and microphone, a Cadet365 account and knowledge of Microsoft Teams.

Cyber Safety and Security Team Leader (CSSTL): This course provides cadets with the opportunity to engage with cyber security experts in the Canadian Armed Forces, recognize security measures in Windows and Linux, and participate in a cybersecurity competition. Cadets attending this course, if successful, can achieve the Cyber Leader certification. This will help them practice safe online behaviours and be prepared to lead cybersecurity activities in their corps or squadron. Prerequisites include the completion of level 3 and a laptop/computer that can operate VMware player (not compatible with chromebooks). Date: July 22 - August 2, 2024.

Support Services Team Leader (SSTL): This course provides cadets the opportunity to gain an understanding of the internal operations of cadet corps and squadron and how to provide support areas such as Supply and Administration. Cadets attending this course, if successful, can achieve WHMIS Certification. Prerequisites include the completion of level 3 and a digital camera (mobile or separate). Date: July 8 - 19, 2024.

Small Craft Operator: This course provides cadets the opportunity to learn about vessel operations, restrictions, and navigation. They will also learn about aspects of on-water communication, such as distress signals, Maritime Mobile Service, and Radio Operations. Cadets attending this course, if successful, can achieve SCOP Module 1 (Pleasure Craft Operator Competency) and SCOP Module 2 (Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate [Maritime]). Prerequisites include the completion of level 3. Date: July 22 - August 2, 2024.

Basic Microdron Operator (BMDO): This course provides cadets the opportunity to learn about drones in the Canadian Armed Forces, prepare for the Transport Canada exam, and explore careers involving drones. Cadets attending this course, if successful, can achieve Transport Canada certification. Prerequisites include the completion of level 3. Date: August 5 - 16, 2024.

Nova Quest (NQ): This course provides cadets the opportunity to explore the Canadian Aerospace industry, its exciting past, and the potential future for advanced space technologies. Activities include simulating life in space, and its intricacies in survival, communication, and exploration, identifying celestial objects, and exploring new technologies in the aerospace world. Prerequisites include the completion of level 3 and minimum hardware of Processor: Intel® Core™ i5, or AMD Ryzen™ 5, Memory/RAM: 8 GB Disk Space: 3 GB, Graphics Card: graphic card must support OpenGL 2.0, 1 GB (minimum), and No Chrome Books or Apple Computers. Date: August 5 - 16, 2024.

Basic Coder (BQ): This course provides cadets the opportunity to explore coding and digital creativity. Activities include learning to use block code in Minecraft and coding a VR robot. Cadets will develop a digital community, compete in eSports competitions, and engage in discussions with the Canadian Armed Forces.  Prerequisites include the completion of level 3. Date: July 22 - August 2, 2024.

For more information about summer training opportunities in 2024, please click here.