Parents - 396 Air Cadets

Families and the Air Cadet Experience

When a young person joins the Air Cadet Program, both they and their family gain access to a wide range of unique, meaningful, and rewarding experiences available to young Canadians. Most cadets do not take this journey alone—family support plays a vital role in their success.

Families are often actively involved in supporting their cadet, whether by ensuring they arrive on time for weekly training, maintaining uniforms to a high standard, or encouraging and supporting study for important milestones such as leadership qualifications or aviation scholarship examinations.

The Air Cadet League of Canada is supported by dedicated volunteers who form the Squadron Sponsoring Committee. These volunteers assist with fundraising, administration, and support to squadron activities throughout the year. Many are parents or guardians of current cadets and find that volunteering allows them to share in the same positive and rewarding experiences as their children.

Some parents choose to become more directly involved with the squadron by registering as members of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee, helping to coordinate volunteers, fundraising initiatives, and support activities. Others may decide to contribute in a different but equally important way by becoming a Civilian Volunteer or Civilian Instructor. These roles operate under the direction of the Squadron Commanding Officer and provide hands-on support within the formal training program, assisting cadets as they progress through ranks, qualifications, and leadership responsibilities.

Above all, having an Air Cadet in the family often means a busy week, an active training year, and a rewarding journey. Families have the opportunity to watch their son or daughter develop confidence, discipline, leadership skills, and maturity—qualities that prepare them well for adulthood and responsible citizenship.

Screening and Registration for Volunteers

Screening Information

Volunteers play a vital role in the success of any Air Cadet Squadron. Without their time, skills, and commitment, many activities would not be possible. Volunteers support the squadron in a wide variety of ways, including—but not limited to—operating the canteen, producing newsletters, coordinating special events, supporting summer training selections and promotion boards, instructing or supporting band activities, managing websites and social media, photography, and media relations.

Volunteers share a common goal: to see the squadron thrive and to contribute positively to the development of cadets.

The Air Cadet League of Canada, together with its partner the Department of National Defence, jointly supports the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The Air Cadet Program is delivered in a structured, disciplined, and safe environment. As such, it is essential that all volunteers are carefully selected, appropriately screened, initially supervised, and capable of serving as positive role models for youth.

Understanding who our volunteers are—their skills, experience, and intended contributions—is critical to the Squadron Commanding Officer, staff, and Sponsoring Committee. When volunteers, staff, and sponsors work together as a team, the program achieves the best outcomes for cadets.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Air Cadet League’s responsibilities for civilian volunteers complement those of the Department of National Defence and are primarily supportive in nature. The Squadron Commanding Officer and military staff retain command and control of cadets and are responsible for supervision of the formal training program.

In fulfilling its duty of care to cadets, DND is required to comply with legal standards established by the Supreme Court of Canada. These standards define the level of care required to protect youth as equivalent to that which would be exercised by a prudent parent. As an active partner in the Cadet Program, the Air Cadet League applies the same standard to its volunteer registration and screening processes.

The Canadian Armed Forces conduct screening for military personnel (Regular Force and Reserve) as well as contracted Civilian Instructors. The Air Cadet League is responsible for screening its volunteers who support the program.

Volunteer Registration and Screening Process

To ensure the safety and well-being of cadets, all prospective League volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Registration Package. This process includes:

Submission of completed registration forms
An interview with an Air Cadet League representative
Completion of an PRC/VSS from the RCMP

Once approved, a volunteer’s registration and screening is valid for five years, provided the individual remains in good standing.

Volunteers are required to inform the League of any change in personal circumstances that may reasonably require re-evaluation or re-screening, such as a new criminal charge or conviction.

Our Commitment to Cadet Safety

We sincerely thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Air Cadet Program. The registration and screening process reflects both a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of all cadets and to maintain the integrity of the program.

Your willingness to support youth development is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to working with volunteers who share our commitment to providing a safe, positive, and rewarding experience for every cadet.