Explore Summer Adventures with Air Cadets
Join us for an unforgettable summer filled with exciting training opportunities and international exchanges designed to enhance your skills and broaden your horizons.
Unleash Your Potential
Join the Cadet Experience
Embark on a journey of growth and adventure with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets this summer.
Summer Training Opportunities
For many cadets, participating in summer training is the highlight of their year. The many diverse training opportunities offered during the summer months, including the Cadet Training Centre (CTC) Courses, the Technology and Digital Learning Centre (TDLC), and the National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC) are the perfect occasion to make friends for life during experiences youth will never forget.
Courses offered to cadets who have completed their second year of training, or higher, hosted at Cadet Training Centres (CTC). Courses range in length from 2-7 weeks and take place at CTC locations across the country
Cadets sixteen and older may also apply for positions as staff cadets at CTCs, the TDLC and Digital Internships in a variety of positions.
Introduction to Marksmanship (ITM)
2 Weeks
The Introduction to Marksmanship Course enables cadets to acquire specialized skills and knowledge in marksmanship, facilitating their participation in zone and regional marksmanship competitions. It equips them to mentor junior cadets in marksmanship while advancing the skills learned in the program.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Vernon CTC
Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor (ARMI)
4 Weeks
The Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to further personal marksmanship knowledge and skills, and develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of an Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor. Activities include marksmanship techniques, instructional techniques, and coaching. Cadets attending this course will also have an opportunity to progress in their marksmanship level qualification.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Vernon CTC, Whitehorse CTC
Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial (ITDC)
2 Weeks
The Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial Course engages cadets with the chance to enhance their leadership abilities and deepen their knowledge and skills in drill and ceremonial practices acquired in the program.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Rocky Mountain CTC, Vernon CTC
Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course (DCI)
4 Weeks
The Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of a Drill and Ceremonial Instructor. Activities include advanced drill, instructional techniques and leadership in the conducting of parades and ceremonies.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Rocky Mountain CTC, Whitehorse CTC, Vernon CTC
Introduction to Fitness and Sports (ITFS)
2 Weeks
The Introduction to Fitness and Sports Course offers cadets a chance to refine skills acquired in the Corps/Squadron Program, aiding in fitness and sports training within the Corps/Squadron Program. Additionally, participants learn about embracing a healthy lifestyle.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Vernon CTC
Fitness and Sports Instructor Course (FSI)
4 Weeks
The Fitness and Sports Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to further personal fitness and healthy living knowledge and skills, and develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of a Fitness and Sports Instructor. Activities include personal fitness, healthy living, conducting the Cadet Fitness Assessment, and leading physical activities.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Vernon CTC
Introduction to Military Band (ITMB)
2 Weeks
The Introduction to Military Band Course allows cadets to continue honing their understanding and proficiency in music, drill, ceremonial practices, and leadership skills acquired through the corps/squadron program or regional activities.
Blackdown CTC, HMCS Quadra CTC
Military Band Musician (MB)
4 Weeks
The Military Band Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop music skills to support participation in and / or leading corps/squadron military bands. Activities include music training and band activities such as music theory, music technique, band drill, leadership and performing ensemble music. Cadets attending this course will also have the opportunity to progress in their music proficiency level qualifications.
Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, HMCS Quadra CTC
Aviation Technology and Aerospace (ATA)
2 Weeks
The Aviation Technology and Aerospace Course offers cadets the chance to lay the groundwork in aerospace studies, airport operations, and the principles of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Activities within this program encompass exploring aerospace concepts, learning about aerodrome operations, and gaining insight into aircraft manufacturing and maintenance processes.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Cold Lake CTC, HMCS Quadra CTC
Advanced Aviation Course (AA)
4 Weeks
The Advanced Aviation Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aviation activities. Activities include instructional techniques, aviation communication, and meteorology.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Cold Lake CTC, HMCS Quadra CTC
Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC)
6-7 Weeks
The Glider Pilot Training Course is a six- or seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Glider Pilot License.
St-Jean CFTC, Trenton CFTC
Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC)
7 Weeks
The Power Pilot Training Course is a seven-week training program that results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Power Pilot License.
Various Locations
Introduction to Survival (ITS)
2 Weeks
The Introduction to Survival Course allows cadets to cultivate essential aircrew survival skills. Activities involve practical field training and navigation exercises to enhance survival proficiency.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Cold Lake CTC, Vernon CTC
Survival Instructor Course (SI)
4 Weeks
Survival Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to perform the duties of a Survival Instructor and team leader for aircrew survival activities. Activities include aircrew survival skills, team and solo survival exercises, aircrew survival exercise operations, instructional technique, and navigation by map and compass.
Argonaut CTC, Valcartier CTC, Blackdown CTC, Cold Lake CTC, Whitehorse CTC
Cadet Training Centres 2024
Located in Comox, BC
Offering the following courses for Air Cadets:
- Military Band Musican
- Introduction to Military Band
- Advanced Aviation
- Aviation Technology and Aerospace
Vernon Cadet Training Centre (CTC)
Vernon CTC offers Air Cadets the following courses:
- Introduction to Survival
- Introduction to Marksmanship
- Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor
- Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial
- Drill and Ceremonial Instructor
- Introduction to Fitness and Sports
- Fitness and Sports Instructor
Rocky Mountain CTC offers Air Cadets the following courses:
- Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial
- Drill and Ceremonial Instructor
Cold Lake Cadet Training Centre (CTC)
Cold Lake CTC offers Air Cadets the following courses:
- Introduction to Survival
- Aviation Technology and Aerospace
- Advanced Aviation
- Survival Instructor
Trenton Cadet Training Centre (CTC)
Trenton CTC offers Air Cadets the following courses:
- Glider Pilot Training Course
Blackdown Cadet Training Centre (CTC)
Blackdown CTC offers Air Cadets the following courses:
- Aviation Technology and Aerospace
- Advanced Aviation
- Introduction to Survival
- Survival Instructor
- Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial
- Drill and Ceremonial Instructor
- Introduction to Fitness and Sports
- Fitness and Sports Instructor
- Introduction to Military Band
- Military Band Musician
Vernon Cadet Training Centre
Vernon CTC offers Air Cadets the following courses:
- Introduction to Survival
- Introduction to Marksmanship
- Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor
- Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial
- Drill and Ceremonial Instructor
- Introduction to Fitness and Sports
- Fitness and Sports Instructor
Vernon Cadet Training Centre
Vernon CTC offers Air Cadets the following courses:
- Introduction to Survival
- Introduction to Marksmanship
- Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor
- Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial
- Drill and Ceremonial Instructor
- Introduction to Fitness and Sports
- Fitness and Sports Instructor
Summer Training FAQs
Explore answers to common questions about our summer training opportunities and cadet training centres.
What types of courses are available during summer training?
We offer a variety of courses including aviation, marksmanship, survival skills, and music training. Each course is designed to enhance specific skills and knowledge.
How can I apply for the summer training programs?
Cadets can apply through their local squadron. Application forms and deadlines are provided by the squadron officers.
Where are the cadet training centres located?
Training centres are located across Canada, including in Alberta, Yukon, British Columbia, and Ontario, each offering unique courses and experiences.
What should I bring to the training centre?
Cadets should bring personal items, uniforms, and any specific gear required for their chosen course. A detailed packing list will be provided upon acceptance.
Are there any costs associated with the training programs?
Attendance at Cadet Summer Training is free. The Canadian Forces provide all transportation, meals, lodging and special equipment. Every Cadet attending summer camp receives a training allowance for incidental costs and small expenses (ex: sweet treats, course shirts, souvenirs, etc.), normally $60 per week. Most training programs are funded, with minimal costs for personal items. Travel and accommodation are typically covered.
Can I participate in more than one course?
Yes, cadets can apply for multiple courses, but acceptance into each course is subject to availability and eligibility criteria.