Jessica Klinkenberg
Northern News Services
Published Friday, August 31, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Yellowknife's Army Cadets all have different reasons for joining, but they agree that the opportunities that come with participation are a big draw.

These Yellowknife cadets said they enjoy being part of the organization for the challenges and opportunities available to them. Back row, from left: Cadet Teylia Grandjambe, Cpl. Amelia Wiseman, Master- Cpl. Catherine Robinson, commanding officer Capt. Julien Paradis. Front row, from left: Pvt. Casey Anderson and Pvt. James Bassett. - Jessica Klinkenberg/NNSL photo

"You can travel all across the world," said Master-Cpl. Catherine Robinson, the cadet with the longest membership.

"It gives you lots of challenges," Cpl. Amelia Wiseman said.

Cadets are open to 12-18-year-olds, and like the military have ranks that are gained through tests.

"A lot of it is meeting new people," Pvt. Casey Anderson said.

Throughout the year cadets are involved in numerous events, including Remembrance Day ceremonies at City Hall. Cadets also compete in events with fellow cadets from across Canada, such as biathlons and marksmanship. Robinson said she had a chance to compete in Ontario in the National Cadet Air Rifle competition earlier this year.

Cadet Teylia Grandjambe competed in the biathlon event.

All of the cadets have goals that they want to accomplish through membership in the group.

"Being able to get my fitness higher," is Grandjambe's.

Robinson said she would like to make it onto an exchange in England.

Cadets means getting a haircut that is off the ears and collar for boys. Girls must slick back their hair and keep it in a bun.

Part of the training is learning how to wear their uniforms appropriately and shine their boots, which Grandjambe said was the hardest thing she had to learn.

Cadets have regular fitness tests, learn about Canadian history, the Canadian military, marksmanship with air rifles, and have opportunities to join specialized camps.

"Once you become of age you can learn how to paratroop," Anderson said, and that's one of his goals with the cadets.

The cadets will have an information session in the basement of the Royal Canadian Legion Sept. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m.