LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - In his four years as a member of the 2860 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Fort Simpson, Anthony Roche was taught how to be a leader. Now it's a skill he passes on to other cadets.

"I like teaching younger kids how to be future leaders, said Roche, who holds the rank of Cadet sergeant.

Acting as a reviewing officer, MLA Kevin Menicoche presents Cadet Jared Kotchea with the Citizenship Award during the annual ceremonial review of 2860 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Joining Cadets was a way to do something fun besides sports, Roche said.

"I like the fact that it's so disciplined," he said.

Roche was one of the cadets who proudly participated in the annual ceremonial review for the corps on June 22 in the village.

Following the ceremony, which included the presentation of achievement awards, the cadets set up displays to demonstrate some of the skills they've learned over the year.

One group of cadets, including Roche, demonstrated how to immobilize someone with a broken leg and load them onto a stretcher.

During the year Roche said he also learned how march long distances in full gear and how to use a GPS, map and compass.

"It was a busy year," said Lieut. Diane Porter, the commanding officer for the Fort Simpson corps.

Highlights of the year for the 14 cadets in the corps included meeting other cadet corps who are linked with the Lord Strathcona's Horse Royal Canadians at an event held at the garrison in Edmonton in March and going on a field training exercise at the end of May.

Some of the cadets also participated in the regional biathlon in Yellowknife in December, a skills competition in Whitehorse in January and the regional marksmanship competition in Yellowknife in May.

"They've had a valuable training year with a lot of positive benefits, " she said.

During their weekly meetings the cadets follow a standard training program that has different levels for each skill set. Cadets learn about citizenship, bush craft, drill, physical fitness and marksmanship, Porter said.

This year the cadets were a "young, enthusiastic crowd," and demonstrated "a very strong sense of esprit de corps," she said.

Cadet Lonnie Wright, who just finished her first year in the program, said she's glad she joined the corps.

During the field training exercise, Wright got to use a walkie-talkie and learned how to use a six-point grid reference on a map, which shows more detail. She encouraged anyone between the ages of 12-19 to join cadets.

"It's fun, you have something to do and you learn a lot of stuff you never knew," Wright said.