Goderich Air Cadets heading to Halifax in 2026

Both the 340 Griffin Air Cadets, from Port Elgin, and 532 Maitland Air Cadets of Goderich at a joint field training exercise.

Goderich Air Cadets will soon tour the new Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels, a Navy City Class Frigate, the maritime helicopter squadron in Dartmouth and the long-range patrol squadron with its trip to Halifax in 2026.

Aiming to provide exposure to maritime aviation, for many Goderich cadets, this will be their first time travelling outside Ontario and away from home.

According to Steve Shute, member of the Goderich Air Cadets Sponsoring Committee, this trip is a significant undertaking for local cadets.

“This trip is an opportunity for many cadets to travel outside their region and gain a broader awareness of east coast of Canada,” said Steve Shute.

“It will expose many cadets to military organization and have a chance to be hands on with some of Canada’s more sophisticated military equipment.”

According to Shute, a portion of the funding will be provided by the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SS) who throughout the year raise funds for various extracurricular activities that are not covered.

This trip will be beyond normal SSC savings, and fundraising efforts will be undertaken between now and departure. Some of the fundraising efforts will be through direct requests to businesses in the Goderich area, but Shute explains that if individual community members are interested in donating, that can be done through E-transfer.

“Donations are incredibly important,” stressed Shute.

“The Squadron receives just enough money from the Federal Government to keep the lights on. Anything additional, above, and beyond comes by way of donation.”

Approximately 33 cadets on paper and around 30 participate in weekly Wednesday night training. At this point 27 cadets are committed to the trip.

The Cadet Program offers youth valuable opportunities to develop leadership, citizenship, and mental and physical fitness, all skills that build confidence and help prepare them for adulthood.

Many cadets progress to earn Glider Pilot Licenses or Powered Flight Licenses through the air cadets’ program. This experience can lead to careers as commercial pilots, air traffic controllers, or roles in aerospace engineering.

“While there’s no obligation to join the military, cadets gain exposure to military life and leadership,” added Shute.

“This can make entry into the Canadian Armed Forces smoother, whether as an officer or in specialized trades.”

While joining does not obligate military service, cadets gain exposure to careers in aviation, engineering and the Canadian Armed Forces. Many alumni leverage these experiences for scholarships and future employment.

According to Shute, the program emphasizes camaraderie. Cadets meet peers with similar interests, build lasting friendships, and enjoy social activities alongside training.

Cadets learn discipline, teamwork, and leadership through structured training and activities. The program introduces youth to aviation fundamentals, aerospace, and navigation.

Cadets participate in fitness programs, survival exercises, and field training weekends. These activities promote health, resilience, and practical outdoor skills.

The Air Cadets also take part in civic events like Remembrance Day ceremonies, parades, and volunteer projects, fostering respect for community and country.

For Harmony Shute who is a current member of the cadets, being part of the Remembrance Day ceremonies is something special.

Harmony’s father served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for 20 years; her grandfather was a police officer and her great-grandfather served during the Second World War.

“I have always had a spot in my heart for every family member of every fallen hero and a deeper understanding of seeing how it affects how they see the world,” admitted Harmony.

“It is an honour to be a part of the November 11 ceremonies and honour the heroes we’ve all lost.”

Shute explains that the 532 Maitland Squadron tries to schedule a more significant trip such as this trip to Halifax approximately every five years.

This ensures that each cadet at some point in their cadet career gets to participate in.

Cadets train on Wednesday nights from September to June at GDCI from 6:45 p.m. until 9 p.m. There are also two weekend camps undertaken locally throughout the year as well as several days to participate in ‘gliding’ opportunities.