Local Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp (RCSCC) 360 Erratic has been back in-person since March 15. Although the corp still has been following national health measures, spirits are still high while remaining socially distanced and wearing masks.
“It’s been more than a month since we’ve been back in person and we’ve been looking forward to more exciting opportunities and for new cadets to come along with us,” said Lt(N) Pamela Mattock, commanding officer of 360 RCSCC Erratic.
“After five years of being in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet program, I’ve had the opportunity to advance my skills in marksmanship, sailing, powerboating and many more,” said CPO1 Rachael Wilsher, coxswain of 360 RCSCC Erratic.
“But the most valuable skill the program teaches is leadership training. The cadet program has shown me how to be a teacher, trainer and leader both in and out of cadets. Through the guidance of skillfully trained officers, civilian volunteers and senior cadets, any person coming into the program will leave with a sense of confidence, pride and strength like no other.”
Over the previous month, cadets of RCSCC 360 Erratic have been mastering their nautical abilities as well as their marching procedure deeming it fit for the Canadian Armed Forces. The cadets have also been working on their boating knots, fitness tests and preparing their uniforms. After spring break, cadets will host training events such as a marksmanship training night, awards banquet and more.
“It’s easier to understand what the instructors are saying,” said LC Amber Golhar. “I get to socialize and make more friends and seize more opportunities compared to online training. You get to do marching drill and it’s actually quite fun. I like the movements. The fitness day was really fun as well. I enjoyed it because it was relaxing and I don’t really get to stretch at home. It cleared my mind as well.”
Since 2017, the corp has been an established part of the Okotoks community. By building a connection with various local towns and cities, creating further relations, RCSCC 360 Erratic has made a corps that is accepting, welcoming, capable and friendly.
The corp has participated in amazing events throughout the years. Members have marched and placed wreaths during Remembrance Day at Centennial Arena, assisted in serving veterans at the High River Legion, marched at both the Okotoks and High River parades, participated in many fundraisers and so much more.
“Moving from the corp from Vancouver to Okotoks was a process,” said PO1 Ciaron Cooper. “We've been looking for other corps that were similar to our original corps in the Calgary and surrounding area. For my brother and I, a corp that is smaller gives us a chance to put more effort into the corp and have a voice that carries value throughout. 360 RCSCC Erratic provides those chances for us.
"I am very glad that we've been in-person. The whole cadet experience is to be in-person and to see and learn the traditions, practices, structure and disciplines, chain-of-command, all of it,” Cooper added. “You've got to learn about all of these historical practices in person. This allowed me to learn leadership abilities as a mentor and as a listener. Being back is great, exciting, and I love all the opportunities we will have after COVID."
If you are interested in enrolling into the Sea Cadet Program, please visit Big Rock School (33 Hunters Gate, Okotoks) every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. or check out 360rcsccerratic.ca. The Sea Cadet Corp takes anyone from the ages of 12 to 18. Our last night of the year is on Tuesday, June 21 until the beginning of fall. It's completely free to join.
With new and old cadets joining our corp, it’s bound to become livelier than ever!
