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OTTAWA
The dedication a Fort Simpson resident has shown to the cadet program in his community has been recognized by the Canadian Armed Forces.

Capt. Steve Nicoll, the commanding officer of 2860 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Fort Simpson, was one of 12 Canadian Armed Forces members who were chosen to be part of the 2013 Canadian Armed Forces Recognition Program. - photo courtesy of the Department of National Defence

Capt. Steve Nicoll was one of 12 Canadian Armed Forces members from across the country who were chosen to be part of the 2013 Canadian Armed Forces Recognition Program. Each member chosen for the program received a Chief of Defence Staff Commendation for deeds or activities beyond the demands of normal duty.

Nicoll received the commendation in Ottawa where he participated in a series of organized events between May 30 and June 4.

"It was a very pleasant surprise," said Nicoll, about being chosen for the recognition program.

It was humbling to be beside other recipients who had made incredible achievements including saving the lives of other soldiers, he said. Nicoll also said the award doesn't represent solely his efforts alone, but rather the efforts of all of the staff of the 2860 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Fort Simpson.

"I consider this award an award for the corps," he said.

Nicoll, a teacher at Thomas Simpson School, became involved in cadets in the village in 2007.

"I wanted to find a way to provide a structured learning environment that would enable youth to develop skills and maturity," he said.

"I knew it would be quite a bit of work. I was prepared for that," he said.

Over the course of six years, the cadets program has become a central part of Nicoll's life. The corps holds a parade once a week as well as other events including games nights on Fridays and fitness three times a week before school. The corps also has teams practising most of the year, which means practices at least once a week and as many as three times a week leading up to a competition.

In addition, as the corps' commanding officer since 2009, Nicoll has a tremendous amount of administrative work to do.

"Sometimes it can be challenging," he said.

Nicoll reminds himself that the secret of success is to just keep going. By maintaining his motivation, Nicoll said he's seen the corps continually improve.

The corps had 12 cadets when he started and peaked this year at 40. The corps has also gone from having three staff to five permanent staff and two volunteers this year.

Nicoll has also seen the program make a difference in the lives of youth in the village. Some cadets have gone from having a lack of confidence, self-management and self-control to being able to take responsibility for themselves and younger cadets while in the field.

These same cadets step up in school and take charge because they are used to leading younger cadets, he said.

"The pay off for the school I feel has been immense," said Nicoll.

The cadet program also aims to foster certain characteristics in its members including patriotism, honesty, leadership and physical fitness.

"I see it in the kids all the time," he said.

Nicoll said he is continually surprised by the opportunity for personal growth the program has given him. For example, he has become more meticulous in his work and the program has made him more selfless because he sees he's part of the growth of a larger number of people.

"It really has changed me, which I did not expect," he said, adding the warm response the other members and leaders of the Canadian Forces showed the cadet program while he was in Ottawa touched him.

It was nice to know the program is important to the forces and to achieve recognition for all of the effort the corps' staff have given, he said.

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