Fort Simpson (May 02/03) - New recruits, new uniforms and new ideas.

Now all cadets in Fort Simpson need is a few more adult volunteers.

John Hazenberg, the current commanding officer, has been involved with the Fort Simpson Army Cadet corps for the past 11 years. He received some assistance from J.F. Leduc last year but there's been little help otherwise.

That prompted a visit by Warrant Officer Dave Forbes, area cadet instructor based in Yellowknife, and Second Lieut. Elisabeth Mills in late February.

They made the rounds through Fort Simpson to encourage those in their late teens and older to lend a hand.

There's no obligation to attend every Thursday's cadet meetings, Forbes said.

If a volunteer can attend every second week, once a month or even just one time it would make a difference, he said.

In particular, those with specific such as knot-tying, first aid, orienteering or bush skills are asked to share their knowledge.

"One person cannot make it work ... quite frankly the program needs an infusion of blood," said Forbes. "You do this for the future of your community."

Since then, Hazenberg said, a few adults have come forward with offers to help.

He also has a few ideas of his own that he's planning to try with the cadets, such as writing to members of the Canadian Forces overseas.

"Some of the troops are in Bosnia (so we'll) have pen pal letters going back and forth to the soldiers in the field there," he said.

As well, he'd like to have an orienteering challenge with one group using global positioning systems technology versus an old-fashioned map and compass.

There are currently about a dozen army cadets in Fort Simpson.

The program is designed for boys and girls ages 12-18.

Andrea Elleze, 12, said by joining cadets she has learned gun safety, how to shoot a gun accurately and how to march.

She said she hopes to attend a cadet camp in Alberta this summer.

Karla Kraus, also 12, said she also wants to attend cadet camp, but in Whitehorse.

"My friends joined cadets so I wanted to," she said. "And (to go on) the trips."