Royal Canadian Army Cadet Training Centers

OPERATION ROUNDTRIP

Operation Roundup was an idea conceived by Maj. Jake Dufault of Lac La Biche, who saw the need for a summer camp for cadets in Northern Alberta who were not able to get to a National Summer Training Centre for various reasons. Maj Dufault's concept was to provide a challenging training exercise and social experience in an Army Cadet type camp/field exercise environment. The exercise was held in July at Lakehead Provincial Park Wilderness Area in north east Alberta

The exercise lasted two weeks and included basic canoeing, bush craft, field craft, wild animal alert (bear and wolf), firearms safety course including obtaining a FAC and first aid training to the qualified SJA Standard Level. Activities included a 5 day canoe expedition through 5 lakes and portages, and a survival workshop including spending 24 hours in the bush "ALONE".

From all reports, the cadets found it a great experience and all objectives were met with the exception of the building of a canoe due to lack of funds. Maybe next year.

Maj Dufault is a qualified instructor in abseiling, canoeing, expedition leadership, first aid, and has been a Corps Commanding Officer for a number of years. He was ably assisted by a number of CIC Officers and Staff Cadets. See additional photos.

L'Academie Vimy Ridge Academy

L'Académie Vimy Ridge Academy is the first school of its kind in Canada, focusing on Canadian studies while also offering opportunities for students who wish to pursue their interests in cadets.

Launched in September 1999, L'Académie Vimy Ridge Academy is a program of choice offered by Edmonton Public Schools for students in grades 7 through 10, with grade 11 being introduced in September 2000 and grade 12 in September 2001.

It is a celebration of partnerships among the school district and the Canadian cadet movement, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Royal Canadian Legion.

ACLC (Alta) CAMPS

There are three camps maintained by the League for use of Cadets during the year. There is one in each of the three ACLC zones of the province. Camp Howard is located in the Southern Zone, north of Cochrane near Rocky Mountain NACSTC in the Ghost River Wilderness Area. The camp serves as a weekend retreat for any cadet or scout unit that wish to rent it and can accomodate about 50 persons.

Camp Mac is located in the Central Zone at Wabamun Lake west of Edmonton. The Northern Zone has a 23 acre site east of Lac La Biche on the edge of Lakeland Provincial Park.

Lessard Lake Camp in the Northern Zone is also available for use.

Army Cadet Summer Training Centres

Army Cadets in Alberta mainly attend Vernon ACSTC in Britich Columbia or Whitehorse ACSTC in the Youkon. Cadets earn the privilege of attending these summer camps as they progress through the home Corps "Star Level" training programs. Some of the courses have age and fitness requirements. The camps are normally 6 weeks long.

Paid Staff Cadet positions are also available for the senior cadets (16-18) who have qualified through their training and past attendance at camps. It is a rewarding position where their training in leadership and knowledge of skills is put to practical use in training younger cadets.

The Rocky Mountain NACSTC replacing Banff NACSTC for Wilderness Challenge and Pipes and Drums courses is located at Ghost River, AB.