This story is made possible through the support of Housser's Paint and Wallpaper as part of OrilliaMatters' Community Leaders Program
The 99 “Lynx” Royal Canadian Air Cadets have a long and proud history in Orillia, and they would love for your youth to be a part of it.
According to Captain Crystal Cole, Commanding Officer, the idea for Air Cadets came about in the early days of World War II as the need for planes and trained young men to fly them became evident. From this came the idea of a select corps of teen-aged youths who would spend some time preparing for the day when they would take their places as aircrew in the ranks of the RCAF.
On April 9, 1941, the Secretary of State of Canada officially granted a Charter establishing the Air Cadet League of Canada. The following year, the first cadets were enrolled in 99 Squadron under sponsorship of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34.
When World War II ended, the need for, and interest in the cadet program had decreased. By the end of 1946, 99 Squadron was disbanded.
In the 1960s a new army cadet corps was created in the City of Orillia by the Orillia Police Association. The Corps reverted back to an air cadet squadron with the number 829 on October 1, 1973. On January 1, 1976, Legion Branch 34 once again assumed sponsorship of 829 Squadron, and on November 29, 1977, the original number 99 was reinstated.
Today, the 99 is here and thriving. Young Canadians aged 12 to 18 can participate in a variety of fun, challenging and rewarding activities and learn valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, physical fitness, leadership, and citizenship, all for free.
Cole stated, “We meet every Tuesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at 105 Wyandotte St, Orillia, from September to June, for regular training sessions. Additionally, cadets participate in extra activities such as Band, Drill Team, and Marksmanship Team which meet weekly; and training activities such as Gliding and Familiarization Flying, Field Training Exercises, Team Competitions, Community Service, and Fundraising at various times throughout the year. Cadets also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of summer training courses throughout July and August.”
Additional activities the cadets can participate in, in the next couple of months, include Pumpkin Inferno at Discovery Harbour; the Orillia Remembrance Day Service and the 35th Remembrance Vigil at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital November 10 and 11; the Orillia Santa Claus Parade; and the Coldwater Santa Claus Parade.
Squad fundraising activities coming up include tagging at various locations across Orillia on October 18 and 19; Euchre at Legion Branch 34 on November 1; and a Christmas Market at Legion Branch 34 on November 17.
Cole finished, “The cadet program is staffed by members of the Canadian Armed Forces alongside volunteers and members of the Air Cadet League. We are always looking for new volunteers with an interest in the program. Youth aged 12 to 18 are always welcome to come out and see what our program has to offer. Enrollment is open September through June. Come out and meet us and see what we are all about! We would love to have you!”
Youth and their parents are welcome to stop by on a Tuesday night, call 705-326-9999 or visit the website here for more information or to join.
