Daniel T'seleie
Northern News Services

Whitehorse, Yukon (Aug 15/05) - Every summer, more than 250 cadets gather in Whitehorse Cadet Summer Training Centre to strengthen their skills and train their bodies. This year several of those cadets were from Nunavut.

Whether cadets are registered in a basic course or a leader-instructor course, they get to take part in the same activities, like shooting and abseiling.

"One of the main goals is physical fitness," said Lieut. Alexander Hobrough. Even on their day of rest, Sunday, and free time in the evenings, cadets were encouraged to get involved with sports and other activities.

The courses also promoted leadership and provoke interest in the armed forces. The idea is to "broaden (the cadets) horizons," Hobrough said. The camp is not a "recruiting tool."

The camp is open to cadets age 12 to 18, who stay for up to six weeks. Nunavut cadets span the age range and the courses offered.

Those completing the leader-instructor course can return next year as staff cadets who help with the training. This year, nine of the 75 staff cadets were from Nunavut.

Hobrough said about 60 per cent of cadets at the camp are from the Northern territories. The rest of from southern Canada, and a few are visiting from the United Kingdom.

Graduation ceremonies took place last Thursday, and the tired but accomplished cadets are back in the territory today with well earned credentials under their belts.