Optional Activities

AVIATION CLUB

Thursdays, 20:15-21:30 (February-May)

Who: Open to cadets interested in the world of aviation, beyond becoming a pilot.
What: The Aviation Club is about aero-modelling, flight simulator, fire balloon, radio-controlled plane, rocket launching and more! Putting the "Air" into "Air Cadets"!
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria
Dress: Proper civilian clothing
Awards: N/A

Additional Information:

• Cadets are welcome to work on their own aircraft models at the Squadron and to suggest any other aviation related activities.
• Aviation Club members have to be present for 19:00 on Thursdays so supervision is ensured as of the beginning of the night.
• Aviation summer courses are also offered to cadets, for all levels, from 3 to 6 weeks in duration. They are Basic Aviation Course, Advanced Aviation Course, Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace Course, Advanced Aviation Technology Course - Airport Operations, Advanced Aviation Technology Course - Aircraft Maintenance, Advanced Aerospace Course.

Cadet In Charge: TBA
Officer In Charge: CI P. Senneville (Assisted by Capt K. Mansour)

AVIATION GROUND SCHOOL

Thursdays, 19:00-21:30 (September-January)

Who: Open to cadets of at least 14 yrs old interested in applying for the Glider and/or Power Pilot Scholarships. Mature 13-year-old cadets may be selected too. This is for cadets with serious ambitions.
What: The Ground School is a flying theory class, preparing cadets to get selected for advanced summer pilot training. Cadets may then obtain their Glider Pilot License and/or Private Pilot License.
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria
Dress: Proper civilian clothing
Awards: Camder Trophy (Glider), Frank Hofmann Trophy (Power), Scholarships (Glider pilot front/back seat familiarization award, Pilot training achievement award, CASARA continuation flying award, West Jet Pilots' Association continuation pilot training award)

Additional Information:

• Classes may take place away from RHS, especially when providing a tour of aeronautical facilities or other related areas.
• More classes will be added in January at another time in the week to provide more advance preparation for summer course selection exams & interviews.
• Summer courses offered to cadets are for levels 3 and up, from 6 to 7 weeks in duration.
• Upon completion of summer courses, cadets may receive Glider Pilot Wings, Glider Pilot Badge and/or Power Pilot Wings to wear on the uniform. Glider Pilots are encouraged to continue glider flight training during fall & spring weekends on cadet gliding familiarization sites. They may receive a Glider Pilot Front Seat (or Back Seat) Familiarization Badge to wear on the uniform.
• Here are the general criteria for applying on Glider and/or Power Pilot Scholarships:
  • Be 16 years of age before the end of camp (17 for Power)
  • Be in at least level 3 or higher (level 4 or higher for Power)
  • Be in secondary 3 or higher (secondary 4 or higher for Power)
  • There are also height and weight requirements for Glider
  • Have at least 80% attendance at squadron training nights and ground school class
  • Involvement in other squadron activities (fundraising, citizenship, etc.), good conduct, good academic performance (ground school tests) and previous summer camp experience are all factors for being in the ground school and obtaining the summer courses.
  • For both courses there are other eventual requirements (passing Transport Canada medical category 3 and Transport Canada theory exam, etc.)
  • If you have any eligibility questions, please direct them to the OIC.

Cadet In Charge: FSgt B. Mansour
Officer In Charge: CI P. Senneville (Assisted by 2Lt N. Nofal)

BAND

Saturdays, 13:00-15:30

Who: Open to cadets, even with little or no background in music, wishing to play in the Band.
What: Music lessons on brass & reed instruments such as clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet and more.
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria
Dress: Proper civilian clothing
Awards: Patricia Britten Memorial Trophy - Scholarships for level 5 musicians (Music award for excellence)

Additional Information:

• The Squadron can provide instruments to those cadets showing an interest in learning them. If you have your own or can borrow one from school, you are encouraged to use that one, as our quantities are limited.
• Bring a pencil, water and the provided sheet music.
• A level 1 to 5 program will assess cadets' performance. Badges will be issued to wear on the uniform.
• Band summer courses are also offered to cadets, for all levels, from 3 to 9 weeks in duration.
• Events:
  • Remembrance Day ceremony
  • Fundraising shows
  • Band workshop in Montreal
  • Eastern Region Cadet Music Festival (competition) in Trois-Rivières

Cadet IC: FSgt A. Aufoujal (Musical Director) & FSgt K. Martis (Drum Major)
Officer IC: CI S. Aufoujal (Assisted by 2Lt M. Aufoujal)

BIATHLON

Occasional Saturdays & Sundays, 07:00-17:00 (December-March)

Who: Open to cadets wishing to make the Biathlon Team
What: Biathlon combines cross-country skiing (or running) and rifle shooting in a safe learning environment, and competition setting for the more advance skiers & shooters.
Where: Mont St-Bruno. Transportation by bus is provided. Meet at Riverdale High School Cafeteria.
Dress: Outdoors sports gear. Check weather for appropriate clothing: warm jacket and/or raingear, etc. Awards: Marksmanship Trophy, Biathlon Pin to wear on the uniform, awarded to the 803 Squadron representatives at the yearly regional, provincial or national competitions (bronze, silver, gold).

Additional Information:

• Cadets must complete the marksmanship course before participating.
• Events:
  • Biathlon Championship Series

Cadet In Charge: TBA
Officer In Charge: TBA

DRILL TEAM

Thursdays, 19:00-20:00

Who: Open to cadets, even with little or no knowledge in drill, wishing to be part of the Drill Team.
What: The Drill Team demonstrates the cadets' ability and precision in military drill movements.
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria
Dress: Proper civilian clothing, with parade boots, gray socks and wedge
Awards: Drill Team Trophy

Additional Information:

• The Drill Team can execute drill with commands and enjoys the challenge of learning silent sequences to perform without commands.
• Drill Team members have to stay till 21:30 on Thursdays so supervision is ensured till the end of the night.
• Events:
  • Eastern Region Cadet Drill Competition

Cadet In Charge: Sgt S. Cunningham
Officer In Charge: Capt K. Mansour

DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD ("D of E")
Young Canadians Challenge

First Thursday of every month, 19:00-21:30

Who: Open to cadets of at least 14 yrs old interested to challenge themselves as a young citizen.
What: Program based on 4 aspects: community service, skills, physical recreation and adventurous journey.
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria
Dress: Proper civilian clothing
Awards: Duke of Edinburgh's Award Certificate & Pin to wear on the uniform (bronze, silver, gold).

Additional Information:

• This is an international youth award program. Over 500 000 young people between the ages of 14 and 25 are involved in projects in over 100 countries.
• The award concept is one of individual challenge. Everyone works at his or her own pace. It offers youth a balanced, non-competitive program of voluntary activities that encourage personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to themselves and service to their community.
• As a cadet, many activities in our program correspond to the DofE Award Program requirements, enabling many cadets to obtain at least the bronze level.
• To register, meet with 803 Squadron's DofE Award Program Coordinator. A fee applies to receive the Participant's Record Book, which is used to record your progress. Diligence in completing the book is required but well worth it. Pick up an application form and "Take up the Challenge"!
• For more information, please visit the Duke of Edinburgh's Award website.
• Join the discussion on Facebook and meet participants from all across Quebec.

Cadet IC: N/A
Officer IC: OCdt M. Czurma
D of E Award Program Coordinator: Mrs. M. Matsushita

EFFECTIVE SPEAKING

Activity schedule TBA around January-March

Who: Open to cadets wishing to improve their public speaking skills & level of self-confidence.
What: Public speaking lessons, leading to a competition held nation-wide.
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria
Dress: Proper civilian clothing
Awards: Effective Speaking Trophy - Effective Speaking Pin to wear on the uniform, awarded to the 803 Squadron representatives at the yearly regional, provincial or national competitions (bronze, silver, gold).

Additional Information:

• Prepared speeches need to be between 5 to 6 minutes
• Impromptu speeches need to be between 2 to 3 minutes
• Here are the topics for the 2012 Effective Speaking Competition:
  1. The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and What It Means to Canadian Aviation Today.
  2. Using Cadet Leadership to Improve Your Community Environment.
  3. Canada's Contributions to the International Space Program.
  4. 70 Years of Air Cadets.
  5. My Greatest Air Cadet Achievement.
  6. Why Is Giving Back to the Community Important?
  7. What Leadership Skills Acquired in the Air Cadet Program Have Affected My Life and Future?
  8. Social Media - Its Impact on Air Cadets.

Cadet IC: N/A
Officer IC: CI JV. Cordeiro

HIGHLAND DANCING

Thursdays, 20:15-21:30

Who: Open to cadets, even with little or no background in dance, wishing to become a highland dancer.
What: Highland dance lessons, learning the basic positions and the highland fling.
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria
Dress: Sports gear, with thick socks, and tights or shorts (knees must be clearly visible)
Awards: Highland Dancing Trophy

Additional Information:

• Cadets will also learn stretching techniques to improve their performance and well-being.
• Performances may include a special choreography imagined by our very own cadets, as well as the more traditional Highland Fling & Sword Dances.
• Highland Dancing members have to be present for 19:00 on Thursdays so supervision is ensured as of the beginning of the night.
• Bring a water bottle
• Events:
  • Fundraising shows
  • Pipes & Drums & Highland Dancing workshop in Montreal

Cadet In Charge: Sgt X. Bolivar
Officer In Charge: CI L. Greiche

MARKSMANSHIP

Occasional Sundays, 10:00-16:00

Who: Open to cadets wishing to make the Marksmanship Team.
What: Air rifle shooting in a safe learning environment. Competition setting for the more advance shooters.
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria
Dress: Proper civilian clothing. Make sure the shirt covers your back when lying down.
Awards: Marksmanship Trophy - Marksmanship Pin to wear on the uniform, awarded to the 803 Squadron representatives at the yearly regional, provincial or national competitions (bronze, silver, gold).

Additional Information:

• Cadets must complete the marksmanship course before participating.
• A level 1 to 4 program will assess cadets' performance. Badges will be issued to wear on the uniform.
• Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor summer course is also offered to cadets, for levels 3 and up, of 6 weeks in duration.
• Events:
  • West-Island Region Cadet Marksmanship competition
  • Marksmanship Championship Series

Cadet In Charge: WO1 A. Bolivar
Officer In Charge: Capt S. Benslimane (Assisted by Mr. Ramey)

PIPES & DRUMS

Sundays, 16:00-18:30

Who: Open to cadets, even with little or no background in music, wishing to play in the Pipe Band.
What: Music lessons on bagpipes, highland snare drum, tenor drum and bass drum.
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria
Dress: Proper civilian clothing
Awards: Pipes & Drums Trophy - Scholarships for level 5 musicians (Music award for excellence)

Additional Information:

• The Squadron can provide instruments to those cadets showing an interest in learning them. If you have your own or can borrow one from school, you are encouraged to use that one, as our quantities are limited.
• Bring a pencil, water and the provided sheet music.
• The highland dress is optional and will not be provided by the Squadron.
• Our Pipes and Drums program regroups other cadet units.
• Advance pipers & drummers are encouraged to gain more knowledge, skills & experience by playing with local Pipe Bands such as the 306 Maple Leaf Wing (Air Force Association) Pipe Band or the RCMP C Division Pipe Band. This should not affect participation in cadet duties. For details, please see the OIC.
• A level 1 to 5 program will assess cadets' performance. Badges will be issued to wear on the uniform.
• Pipes & Drums summer courses are also offered to cadets, for all levels, from 3 to 6 weeks in duration.
• Events:
  • Remembrance Day ceremony
  • Fundraising shows
  • Pipes & Drums & Highland Dancing workshop in Montreal
  • Eastern Region Cadet Music Festival (competition) in Trois-Rivières

Cadet In Charge: Sgt N. Elkaim
Officer In Charge: Maj F. Arnold (Assisted by CI S. Aufoujal, CI S. Gray and CI K. Moewius)

SPORTS

Thursdays, 19:00-21:30

Who: Open to cadets wishing to improve their physical fitness and have fun playing sports.
What: Sports practices and preparation towards regional cadet competitions.
Where: Riverdale High School Cafeteria. Note: When practicing for basketball and volleyball competitions, practices may be held at St-Anthony School's gym. See the web calendar for details.
Dress: Sports gear
Awards: Sports Trophy

Additional Information:

• Sports include ball-hockey, basketball, dodge ball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, etc.
• Do not wear jewelry.
• Sports summer courses are also offered to cadets, for all levels, from 3 to 6 weeks in duration.
• Events:
  • West-Island Region Cadet Competitions (Ball-Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball)
  • West-Montreal Cadet Activity Zone Games

Cadet In Charge: Sgt A. Thompson (Assisted by Sgt S. Adamczewski & FCpl S. Moïse)
Officer In Charge: OCdt S. Lachance (Assisted by OCdt M. Czurma & CI O. Monast)

VETERANS HOSPITAL VISITS

Third Wednesday of every month, 17:15-20:30

• September 19
• October 17
• November 21
• December 19
• January 18
• February 15
• March 21
• April 18
• May 16
• June 20

Who: Open to cadets wishing to volunteer in their community by interacting with Canadian War Veterans.
What: Help the Veterans play bingo.
Where: Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Veterans Hospital. Departure by carpooling from RHS at 17:30 and return at 20:30.
Dress: Summer dress uniform (open collar shirt) unless specified differently on the web calendar. New cadets without uniforms can wear black dress pants and white top.
Awards: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 234 General Vanier Citizenship Trophy - Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence

Additional Information:

• Cadets will receive free cookies & juice and will have time to play pool with the other cadets.

Cadet In Charge: Sgt S. Cunningham
Officer In Charge: Lt M. Meloche