Sea Cadets announce temporary location

Officers and instructors for the evening were Trevor, Mary Lou, Lieutenent (N) Joshua Middleton and Lieutenent (N) Ryan Harris. (Ron Yuzark photo)

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

The Woodstock Sea Cadets have formally announced a temporary change to their weekly training location following the loss of access to their longtime home, “the Ship” in Southside Park.

All Sea Cadet and Navy League Cadet activities will be held at The Oxford School, 595459 Oxford 59, Woodstock, ensuring uninterrupted programming for youth across Oxford County. This relocation allowed both Corps to continue offering their full slate of leadership development, seamanship instruction, physical training, and citizenship activities in a safe, accessible, and spacious environment.

The Oxford School’s facilities provided the room and stability needed for the Cadets to maintain their traditions, training standards, and community involvement during the transition period. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Woodstock Sea Cadets (R.C.S.C.C. 153 Woodstock) welcomed returning and prospective youth ages 12 to 18 for their first training night at the new location.

The following evening, the younger Navy League Cadets (N.L.C.C. 154 Unicorn), ages 9 to 12, held their own first night of training from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Officers reported strong enthusiasm from families and noted that the new venue helped ease the transition for both age groups.

With older Cadets aging out and new youth preparing to join, visibility and outreach remain essential to sustaining both programs. Despite the venue change, both Corps continued to deliver high quality, structured programming rooted in maritime skills, teamwork, and community service.

Cadets participated in a wide range of hands on training throughout the season, engaging in seamanship and navigation lessons that strengthened their maritime knowledge while also taking part in structured drill and range training that reinforced discipline and precision. During the warmer months, many enjoyed the opportunity to sail, building confidence and teamwork on the water.

Their citizenship and community service activities connected them with local events and volunteer initiatives, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the community. In addition to core training, Cadets also took part in optional programs such as band, first aid, disaster relief exercises, cooking, and other specialized activities that broadened their skills and enriched their overall experience in the Corps.

High school aged Cadets also earned volunteer hours through approved community activities. The Woodstock Branch extended sincere thanks to The Oxford School for providing space and support during this transition. Officers and instructors—each fully screened through security and police checks—continued to volunteer their time to ensure a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for all participants.

You can reach the Sea Cadet program by emailing 153sea@cadets.gc.ca. You can reach the Navy League Cadets at nlccunicorn@navyleagueon.ca. The Navy League of Canada supports more than 11,000 Cadets nationwide through 217 local branches.