For cadet officers, one of the rewards is providing cadets with a leadership assignment and watching them work their way through planning, problem solving and completing the task given.

A prime example of this happened during the annual Spring Cleaning Field Trip to the Bomber Museum of Canada in Nanton, Alberta. The 552 Key City Squadron has been participating in helping prepare the museum for the spring tourism season for several years and enjoy the experiences found there.

Flight Corporals Buziak, Callele and Jhai were selected for their first large leadership assignment. Their task included working together to develop a plan and strategies to accomplish all of the cleaning required; select peers to handle the various cleaning tasks; provide direction and follow up on the completion of the tasks while keeping everyone safe. As the day progressed and the plan changed, the three cadets learned to adapt quickly. With a little bit of guidance, they successfully completed their assignment.

Cadets in levels 3 to 5 worked on the cleaning, while levels 1 and 2 cadets began the day attending aviation lessons and then assisted with the cleaning. During the weekend, all of the cadets participated in some physical training and swimming.

A new highlight for the cadets and staff was the opportunity to view the brand new Virtual Reality “1943 Berlin Blitz” Exhibit. From the museum’s poster: “In September 1943, a BBC reporter accompanied a Lancaster crew on a raid to Berlin. The incredible audio recording he made forms the basis of this breathtaking experience in ‘Immerse Virtual Reality’, putting you inside the bomber with the crew as it completes a most dangerous operation. It’s the closest one can get to actually experiencing a raid with Bomber Command.”

“Best experience ever! Seems very realistic and helps to get a better insight on situations for air crew at the time,” said Sergeant Dhruv Jethwa.

Following the video, everyone expressed their appreciation of the VR experience, and highly recommend others taking time to visit the museum and check it out.

On the return trip we spent some time at Frank Slide Interpretive Centre taking in a history lesson.

The aim of the Cadet Program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulates the interest of youth in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces; however, each focuses on its own parent element. This weekend covered all of the above and more.

For more information on the local Air Cadet program – [email protected] or #250-421-2904 / #250-417-5831. We meet every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.; 308-10th Avenue South, Cranbrook.

Photos submitted

552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadets

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