The Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a national youth organization for teens aged 12 to 18, sponsored by the Air Cadet League (a civilian organization) and the Department of National Defence. The organization is made up many training centres, headquarters, and most importantly, the squadrons, of which every cadet is a part of, 779 Black Knight Squadron is one of the 450 Air Cadet squadrons across Canada, located in Mount Hope (Hamilton). Air Cadets is Canada’s largest youth group. Air Cadets in 779 (Black Knight) meet at least once a week on Tuesdays from 6:15 to 9:30 pm at 3027 Homestead Drive, Mount Hope - behind Library. While there, they undergo the standard classes that are part of the Air Cadet program. That is, aviation studies, citizenship, leadership, effective speaking, outdoor survival, drill, sports and many more. The training on Tuesday nights is only the core of the program, the standard classes that all squadrons teach. It is the training and the teams on the squadron level, on weekends and other weeknights, that really make up all the opportunities in the program. What are some of the extra activities that 779 (Black Knight) does? First of all, the squadron has many year-long teams, drill team, a range (shooting) team, and Military Band. (Can’t play – We’ll teach you!) We also have ground school classes (prerequisite for glider/private pilot licenses), two or three times a year Cadets participate Outdoor Survival Weekends. Cadets organize dances; participate in Swim competitions, Volley Ball Tournaments and Sports nights. The most popular sports night is the Corn Maze / Orienteering adventure – mixing map reading, great fun… Senior Cadets organize this activity, using skills learned from regular training and summer training and mentoring from Officers. Twice a year cadets can FLY! Gliding Familiarization flights provide the opportunity for cadets to participate flying during the spring and fall.
