It was ideal conditions for members of the Hastings and Prince Edward Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps 88’s annual FTX north of Cobourg over the weekend.
A total of 20 cadets ranging in age from 12-18 years-old participated in the annual winter Field Training Exercise on Saturday which teaches the cadets the basics of winter survival.
The cadets slept Friday night at the Hastings and Prince Edward Armories before heading out early Saturday morning for the night, then loading up Sunday to come back.
Cadets learned how to set up five person Bell Arctic tents, safe operation of stoves and lanterns, along with survival shelters, how to start fires safely and build snow shelters (Quinzee hut). Along with the training the cadets tried out snow-shoes, slept in tents and ate meal rations.
Clothing including parkas, hats, gloves, mitts and mukluk boots were provided by the Department of National Defense.
“It’s been a perfect weekend,” said Commanding Officer John Sudano.
With approximately one foot of snow it is the ideal conditions for the exercise being just munites from Cobourg.
“They are learning about life skills, but they are roughing it.”
“It’s a good, healthy tired,” said Sudano.
“With the things we teach them they can survive very well.”
“But the principles what we teach them will put tools in their tool box for life.” .
The Cadet program is sponsored in part by the Department of National Defence, but local community groups the Cobourg Lions Club and Rotary play an integral role in sponsoring the program each year.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
