Cadets have the opportunity to achieve various nationally recognized first-aid levels within the program, 878 Squadron will be offering an Intermediate (Standard) first-aid and CPR course with an emphasis on wilderness application as outlined in the Remote First-Aid course offered by Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine.  This will be a 3-day course offered at no charge to our cadets.  Candidates will be required to attend all 3 days, study subject matter on their own time between course days, and pass all practical skills and a written exam. 

Biathlon is part of the complementary and optional programs at the Corps/Squadrons level, part of the Regionally Directed Activities for the zone and provincial competition and part of the Nationally Directed Activities for the national championship.

Biathlon is a sport that combines physical fitness with marksmanship skills through a combination of two activities.

1. physical fitness: a macro-level muscle activity with high aerobic demands that requires strength, speed, endurance with the ability to rapidly recover to a resting heart rate. The physical fitness aspect may be conducted in the traditional winter version of skiing or through the use of an equally physically demanding summer version with running; and
2. marksmanship: a micro-level muscle activity that requires fine motor control and delicate precision. The marksmanship aspects may be conducted using either smallbore or air rifle.

Furthermore Biathlon is a sport where the use of cadets in official’s positions is practical, thereby allowing additional leadership opportunities for senior cadets.  Opportunities for senior cadets to be incorporated into the official’s organization at appropriate levels should be maximized.

Aims

The aims of the cadet biathlon program are:

1. to allow all cadets an opportunity to participate in a progressive biathlon program;
2. to promote physical fitness;
3. to compliment the cadet marksmanship program;
4. to promote the safe handling of rifles;
5. to produce proficient coaches and officials; and
6. to stimulate and maintain an interest in the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO) and act as a recruiting tool.

The Biathlon Program has both recreational and competitive aspects:

1. Recreational: Basic physical activity combined with introductory air rifle firing is integrated into a simple activity that can be performed by each cadet at the local corps or squadron.  This should also include a confirmatory activity combining the marksmanship and fitness activities into a true biathlon; and
2. Competition: Various levels (local, zone, provincial, national) and types of competition (individual and team races) that allow cadets to participate in progressively challenging activities.

The Air Cadet Effective Speaking Program is an optional activity within the Royal Canadian Air Cadets that aims to develop cadets’ public speaking skills, self-confidence, and leadership abilities by providing them with a structured environment to practice and compete in delivering prepared speeches on various topics, progressing from squadron level competitions to regional, provincial, and ultimately national stages; essentially allowing cadets to learn how to organize their thoughts, express ideas clearly, and build confidence in speaking publicly.