Six months ago they were on shaky ground. But now thanks to generous servings of commitment and the dedication of a handful of community members, the Slave Lake Army Cadets are enjoying a new lease on life that comes with a membership that’s more than quadrupled in size.
“They were going to close our unit, and that’s where the drive started,” admits the corps’ commanding officer, Lieut. David Perkinson. He added that the announcement created “many sleepless nights” for many in the organization, but also provided the impetus needed, he added. Within a few short months, the corps has grown from eight members to 34 and is on the high road.
“It ’s about having a dedicated staff and parents’ committee getting out into the community, doing all those little things. And having a full slate of staff, seven of them, that makes a huge difference.” He said the addition of four civilians – a former cadet Rhonda Nugent, and three RCMP officers – have helped to strengthen the contingent too.
“Getting Rhonda involved as our secretary has been awesome.”
A member for more than half his 25 years, the commanding officer says there are many things that keep him coming back.
“It’s good for the youth to experience many different things, give them the opportunity to do things that they couldn’t do in their hometown.” It also offers cadets a chance to travel and meet new people from around the world as well as taking part in summer camping exercises, he adds.
“There’s zero cost to the parents in this program – even the uniforms are free,” he says with no small hint of pride. And those, he adds, can be handed to new cadets as little as three weeks after they join.
Contrary to what some people believe “you don’t have to join the Armed Forces,” following cadet training, he adds, “but that is an option.”
On the other hand, Cadets can earn as many as 30 credits toward a high school diploma over three years as well as taking part in a variety of camping and outdoor experiences.
“No other group can offer that for free,” the CO adds.
Cadets are expected to show up 96 per cent of the time, however and must take part in at least three of four annual training exercises. Those include camping, hiking, canoeing and outdoor education – many of them at the Northern Lakes College’s Marten Lakes campus.
On the other hand, being part of the Cadets organization offers “discipline and leadership, elements that employers are looking for today.”
Community – and organizations like the Legion, businesses like the Northwest Inns — was also quick to lend its support, he adds. “And the contributions of our parent committee since the corps’ inception in 1971 has been huge.”
Perkinson says plans are currently falling into place for this corps to host a training session for as many as 400 cadets here in the spring.
The corps has also begun initial planning for a trip to Europe sometime in the 2005/06 year.

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