Cadets Corps looking for new recruits
Members of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps is recruiting a new batch of young people aged 11 to 19 to enlist for the new school year. The application deadline is 17 September. The free youth-development programme emphasises discipline, citizenship, education and other positive activities. Subjects on which new cadets will receive instruction include camping, first aid, skill-at-arms, seamanship, drill and parades; as well as community outreach, citizenship, leadership and sports.
In addition to recruiting student members from across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, the corps is seeking adult leaders.
Noting that the Cadet Corps has established a reputation for excellence since it was introduced locally in 2003, its Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Bobeth O’Garro, added, “The programme covers areas of interest as diverse as the young people themselves, from music and camping to other activities.”
Cadets from the Cayman Islands Corps salute on parade
The government-sponsored programme requires about five hours each week – including after school and weekends. New members undergo a three-month recruitment process, then transition into a training regimen that can cover a four-year period.
Adults who wish to join as volunteer instructors should be over 21. Previous military or cadet experience is welcomed, but not necessary, as training is provided, O’Garro explained. For the new term, the organisation is particularly seeking musicians, as well as men and women with marine experience.
While it has been based at Bodden Town’s James Manoah Bodden Civic Centre in recent years, the corps will relocate next month to a new headquarters in George Town.
Anticipating continued growth as they move to a central location, the O’Garro said that a goal for the immediate future is to have at least 10 percent of the high school population enlisted in the cadets, and “to ensure that it is a fun, stimulating experience for the youth.”
After this recruitment period ends, the next batch of applications will be considered for January 2017.
To sign-up, or for more information, visit the Cadet Corps website, call 946-9810 or 938-8821, email the cadets, or go to their Facebook page
Category: Youth
