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Interested in Joining the Air Cadets?

• Are you 12 to 18 years old?
• Do you want to meet new friends?
• Do you enjoy trying new challenges?
• Are you looking for a program that is fun, structured, and rewarding?

If so, 396 City of Prince George Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron may be the right fit for you.

 
How Old Do I Have to Be to Join?

Youth may enroll in the Air Cadet Program if they are between 12 and 18 years of age.

 
What Does It Cost to Join?

There is no cost to join the Air Cadet Program.

The Department of National Defence provides:

• Uniforms
• Training materials
• Instruction
• Weekend training activities
• Summer training opportunities
• Participation in the program is free, making it accessible to all youth.

 
What Do the Air Cadets of 396 Squadron Do?

396 Squadron meets every Tuesday evening at the Connaught Youth Centre, located at 1491 17th Avenue, Prince George, accessed via the rear green stairwell.

During weekly parade nights, cadets take part in a wide variety of activities designed to build confidence, leadership, and life skills, including:

• Citizenship and community service
• Teamwork and leadership development
• Drill and ceremonial training
• Physical fitness and sports
• Marksmanship
• Aviation and aerospace education

Senior cadets, under the supervision of trained staff, play a key role in instructing and mentoring junior cadets—putting leadership theory into real-world practice.

In addition to weekly training, cadets participate in weekend activities throughout the year, such as:

• Outdoor survival exercises
• Gliding days
• Sports, drill, and marksmanship competitions
• Local and regional training events

Many cadets form life-long friendships through shared experiences and teamwork within the squadron.

 
What Extra Activities Are Available?

396 Squadron offers a wide range of optional specialty teams and activities, allowing cadets to pursue their interests beyond regular training nights. These may include:

• Band – Music training and performances throughout the year
• Drill Team – Competitive and ceremonial drill demonstrations
• First Aid Team – First aid training, competitions, and demonstrations
• Biathlon Team – A unique combination of skate-style cross-country skiing and marksmanship
• Marksmanship (Range) Team – Skill development and regional competitions
• Effective Speaking – Public speaking and communication skills training
• Flight Simulation Program – Hands-on aviation experience using flight simulators
• Flying Scholarship Preparation – Academic preparation for gliding and power pilot scholarship exams

Availability of teams may vary from year to year based on interest, staffing, and resources.

 
Are There Travel Opportunities?

Yes.

Each summer, eligible cadets may attend summer training opportunities across Canada. These programs typically last 2 to 6 weeks and focus on advanced training in areas such as aviation, leadership, fitness, and instructional techniques.

Senior cadets may also apply to return as Staff Cadets, gaining valuable leadership experience while receiving paid employment during the summer.

Summer training builds on skills learned at the local squadron while allowing cadets to meet peers from across the country.

 
When and How Can I Join?

The best time to join is during the first two weeks of September, as this allows cadets to complete a full training year. Youth may enroll at other times during the year; however, those who join later may need to repeat their training level due to missed mandatory instruction.

If you are interested in joining:

Phone: 250-562-0039
Email: 396air@cadets.gc.ca 

Please Note: Cadets who enroll after 31 January may not have sufficient time to complete all required training objectives and may be required to complete their training level in the following year.
 

Learn More

For detailed, official information about the Air Cadet Program—including eligibility, training opportunities, and benefits—visit the Government of Canada’s Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers website: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/cadets-junior-canadian-rangers.html 

How to Enroll Your Son or Daughter in 396 Squadron

Enrolling in the 396 City of Prince George Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron is straightforward. Please follow the steps below.

 
Step 1: Complete the Online Registration

Parents or guardians must complete the Online Registration Tool (ORT) using the Government of Canada portal:

https://registration.cadets.gc.ca/get-started.html  

Once the form is submitted, it is automatically forwarded to the squadron for processing.

 
Step 2: Provide Required Documentation

Please bring the following documents to the squadron for verification:

• Birth Certificate
• British Columbia Health Care Card

Photocopies of these documents will be made and retained on file for the duration of the cadet’s enrollment.

If you do not have one or both of these documents available, please speak with the Administration Officer, as alternative documentation may be acceptable in certain circumstances. Please note that some individual situations may require additional paperwork; guidance will be provided by the Administration Section as needed.

 
Visit Us on Parade Night

Families are encouraged to visit us in person on a regular parade night:

• When: Tuesdays, September to June
• Time: 1815–2130 hours
• Location: Connaught Youth Centre, 1491 17th Avenue, Prince George

Staff will be happy to:

• Answer any questions
• Assist with enrollment
• Provide the Welcome Package, Uniform Guide, and any additional required forms

Contact Information

If you have questions or would like more information before attending, please contact us:

• Phone: 250-562-0039
• Email: 396Air@cadets.gc.ca