To Learn.
To Serve.
To Advance.

Don't know what to do this summer? Apply to go to a cadet summer camp and get paid! Cadets who attend summer camps get paid to learn and take back their new knowledge to help develop their squadron.

Courses offered at Air Cadet summer camps include training in leadership, flying, fitness and sports, survival, military band, pipe band, aerospace, aviation technology, and marksmanship. The courses offered include familiarization, basic, advanced, and national summer training courses.

FAMILIARIZATION COURSES

General Training

The General Training Course provides cadets who have recently joined the Cadet Program an introductory summer training experience where they will participate in a variety of activities from each specialty, to include Drill and Ceremonial, Music, Marksmanship, Aviation, Aerodrome Operations, Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance, Aerospace, and Aircrew Survival. Cadets applying for this course should have successfully completed Proficiency Level One.

BASIC COURSES

Basic courses deliver training directed more specifically towards certain specialties. All of these courses are three weeks long, and are available to cadets who are level two or above.

​Basic Fitness and Sports

The Basic Fitness and Sports course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in fitness and sports activities, and to develop knowledge and skills on how to perform the duties of a Fitness and Sports Assistant. Activities include following a personal fitness routine, leading warm-up and cool-down sessions, assisting with the Cadet Fitness Assessment and assisting with recreational sports. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Two / Red Star / Proficiency Level Two.

Basic Drill and Ceremonial (Air)

The Basic Drill and Ceremonial (Air) Course provides cadets an opportunity to build on drill learned at the squadron, participate in advanced drill and ceremonial activities, and to develop leadership skills and knowledge; while performing the role of a team leader. Activities include commanding a squad on parade, drill with arms, flag drill, and marksmanship training. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Basic Aviation

The Basic Aviation Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the fundamentals of aviation. Activities include radio communication, a familiarization flight, meteorology, and air navigation. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace

The Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the fundamentals of aerospace, airport operations and aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Activities include aerospace, aerodrome operations, and aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Basic Survival

The Basic Survival Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop aircrew survival skills. Activities include field training, navigation and ground search and rescue. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Two.

Military Band – Basic Musician

The Military Band – Basic Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and military band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, demonstrating rhythm skills, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Two / Red Star / Proficiency Level Two.

ADVANCED COURSES

The advanced courses provide cadets with the knowledge required to become instructors of their speciality. 

Fitness and Sports Instructor

The Fitness and Sports Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a fitness and sports specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to perform the role of a Fitness and Sports Instructor and a team leader for fitness and sports activities conducted at the corps / squadron during regionally directed activities and/or as a staff cadet at a CSTC. Activities include personal fitness and healthy living, conducting the Cadet Fitness Assessment, and leading recreational sports. Cadets applying for this course should be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Three / Silver Star / Proficiency Level Three.

Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor

The Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop marksmanship skills and knowledge, and to instruct and lead air rifle marksmanship activities. Activities include first aid, advanced marksmanship, instructional techniques and coaching. Cadets applying for this course should be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Three / Silver Star / Proficiency Level Three.

Leadership and Ceremonial Instructor

The Leadership and Ceremonial Instructor course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to become an instructor and team leader during drill and ceremonial activities. Activities include advanced drill, instructional techniques and leadership. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age, and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Advanced Aviation

The Advanced Aviation Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aviation activities within the Air Cadet Program. Activities include instructional technique, radio communication, meteorology, and air navigation. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Survival Instructor

The Survival Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aircrew survival activities within the Air Cadet Program. Activities include instructional technique, first aid, survival and field training, and ground navigation. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Military Band – Intermediate Musician

The Military Band – Intermediate Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and military band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include first aid, maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Military Band Music Level Basic, be 14–15 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Three / Silver Star / Proficiency

The Military Band – Advanced Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in advanced music training and military band activities, to prepare them to lead and instruct corps’ music programs. Activities include music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, performing ensemble music as a member of a band, leadership, and instructional technique. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Military Band Music Level Basic, be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Four / Gold Star / Proficiency Level Four.

Pipe Band – Basic Musician

The Pipe Band – Basic Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and pipe band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include highland dance, maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, demonstrating rhythm skills, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should be 13–14 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Two / Red Star / Proficiency Level Two.

Pipe Band – Intermediate Musician

The Pipe Band – Intermediate Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in music training and pipe band activities, to prepare them to support corps / squadron music programs. Activities include first aid, highland dance, maintaining a primary instrument, music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, and performing ensemble music as a member of a band. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Music Proficiency Level – Pipes and Drums Level Two, be 14–15 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Three / Silver Star / Proficiency Level Three.

Pipe Band – Advanced Musician

The Pipe Band – Advanced Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to participate in advanced music training and pipe band activities, to prepare them to lead and instruct corps’ music programs. Activities include highland dance, music theory, executing drill as a member of a band, performing ensemble music as a member of a band, leadership, and instructional technique. Cadets applying for this course should have obtained a Music Proficiency Level – Pipes and Drums Level Three, be 15–16 years of age, and have successfully completed Phase Four / Gold Star / Proficiency Level Four.

NATIONAL COURSES

Advanced Aerospace

The Advanced Aerospace Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aerospace activities within the Air Cadet Program. Activities include instructional technique, first aid, astronomy, orbital mechanics, and model rocketry. Cadets applying for this course should be 14–15 years of age and have successfully completed Proficiency Level Three.

Advanced Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance

Advanced Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance is a six-week course that provides Cadets the opportunity to learn aircraft maintenance skills through a set of practical, hands-on training activities, such as installing and removing rivets used in aircraft metal structures, performing a landing gear retraction test on a fixed wing aircraft, assembling an input driveshaft from a turbine powered helicopter.  Cadets applying for the Advanced Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance course must successfully complete Proficiency Level Three by the end of the training year. 

Advanced Aviation Technology – Airport Operations

Advanced Aviation Technology – Airport Operations is a six-week course that introduces Cadets to the various components of operating an airport.  Cadets will learn about airside operations, meteorology, navigation, air traffic services, ground services, and safety.  They will also examine some of the history and advancements in the aviation industry and explore employment opportunities.  Cadets applying for the Advanced Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance course must successfully complete Proficiency Level Three by the end of the training year.

Glider Pilot Scholarship

The Glider Pilot Scholarship is a six or seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence.  Cadets applying for the Glider Pilot Scholarship must be 16 years old by September 1st of the year the course is taken, must successfully complete Proficiency Level Three by the end of the training year, must achieve a mark of at least 50% on the Canadian Armed Forces qualifying exam, must have completed Grade 9 or equivalent (Secondary 3 in Quebec and Senior 1 in Manitoba) by the nomination deadline, must obtain a valid Category 3 Medical Certificate from Transport Canada, and must meet the minimum and maximum height and weight limitations.  The physical limitations for height and weight are: minimum height of 152.4cm and a maximum height of 190.5cm, and a minimum weight of 40.82Kg and a maximum weight of 90.72Kg.

Power Pilot Scholarship

The Power Pilot Scholarship is a seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Power Pilot Licence.  Cadets applying for the Power Pilot Scholarship must be 17 years old by September 1st of the year the course is taken, must successfully complete Proficiency Level Four by the end of the training year, must achieve a mark of at least 50% on the Canadian Armed Forces qualifying exam, must have completed Grade 10 or equivalent (Secondary 4 in Quebec and Senior 2 in Manitoba) by the nomination deadline, must obtain a valid Category 3 Medical Certificate from Transport Canada, and must meet the maximum weight limitations. The maximum weight for a student pilot is 111.13Kg (245lbs).

Air Cadet Exchanges

Where in the world would you like to have dinner?

As part of the Air Cadet Program there are numerous opportunities to be involved in a variety of summer training programs and some are even conducted outside of Cadet Summer Training Centres. 

The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL) jointly sponsor an International Cadet Exchange Program with Air Cadet Organizations around the world. As such, Canada is a member country of the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Association.

Select senior cadets are chosen from air cadet squadrons across Canada to participate in International Exchanges and / or Cultural Visits.  The following is a list of countries that may partake in these training opportunities:

Australia,
Belgium,
France,
Hong Kong,
Japan,
Netherlands,
Philippines,
Singapore,
Turkey,
New Zealand,
United Kingdom; and
The United States of America
**After successfully completing a summer course, cadets are presented with a qualification badge to display on their uniform.

National Summer Training Course Selection Process Q & A

National Summer Training Course Selection Process Procedures

AIR CADET NSTC BOOKLET
Summer Training Application

Click on a region Crest for Joining instructions for camps in that region

If you click on a Cadet Summer Training Centres Crest it will take you to their Facebook Page


Pacific Region

Northwest Region

Central Region

Eastern Region

Atlantic Region

Albert Head

Cold Lake

Blackdown

Bagotville

Argonaut

Pacific Region Gliding School

Gimli

Candora College

Mont St-Sacrement

HMCS Acadia

HMCS Quadra

Rocky Mountain

Connaught

Eastern Region Gliding School

Atlantic Region Gliding School

Vernon

Whitehorse

HMCS Ontario

Valcartier

Greenwood
   
Central Region Gliding School
   
   
Trenton