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INUVIK
After spending a few summer weekends hard at work on the cadet cabin, a group of Inuvik Cadets were treated to tours on the Canadian Forces Twin Otter and Griffon helicopter on Sunday.

Cpl. Tristen Grandjambe poses with the Twin Otter at the hangar on Tuesday. - photo courtesy of Capt. Paul MacDonald

"It was amazing," said Capt. Paul MacDonald, commanding officer of the Inuvik Cadet Corps.

"The kids were ecstatic."

The cadets have been hard at work fixing up the cadet cabin on Airport Lake.

The cabin was usable last year, but the added work has made it more comfortable, said MacDonald.

It's been a busy season for the cadets.

With Operation Nanook taking place in Inuvik, the cadets have been able to experience military life first hand.

Before experiencing the Mackenzie Delta by air, they had to reconstruct the cadet cabin.

Building started Aug. 10. Lumber and supplies had to be carted to the boat then brought to the cabin site, where everything had to be unloaded again.

"A lot of them had never even picked up a saw before," said MacDonald.

"But soon enough everyone was working hard and helping out. Lugging all that lumber wasn't the easiest job in the world."

Drills, screws, bolts and screwdrivers were used in place of nails. It made it safer for some of the inexperienced builders, said MacDonald.

After spending two weekends outfitting the exterior of the cabin, the cadets were taken under the wing of 440 Squadron for a flight on the Twin Otter and 400 Squadron for a ride in the Griffon.

While the Royal Canadian Army Cadets do promote an interest in the Armed Forces, that's not the only reason they're around, said MacDonald.

"They're exposed to different skills that are useful outside the army," said MacDonald.

"By riding in a helicopter or plane, they might decide on a career in aviation. Or if they see a military vehicle and are interested in that there's mechanical engineering. There are a lot of options."

MacDonald has been commanding officer of the Inuvik Cadet Corps for six years.

"It's rewarding when you see the understanding and you know that they've gotten something out of the experience," he said.

"Watching them come in from the flights with ear-to-ear smiles, that's what makes it all worth it," he said.

Registration for the upcoming cadet year starts in September.

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