Since September, Weyburn 2302 RCACC cadets have been doing many things besides drill and fundamental training. They attended biathlon ski school, camped, competed in a biathlon, learned about the sport of karate and much more.

The cadets took advantage of the school holiday in February by organizing and hosting a three-day winter camping and sports experience at Echo Valley Provincial Park on Feb. 23 to 25.

This winter experience was the first of an annual winter event to be open to all army cadets in southeast Saskatchewan. The purpose of the experience was for cadets to learn about winter camping, food preparation, environmental safety, snowshoeing, skiing, winter movement and survival. The Weyburn Army Cadets were joined by cadets from Wadena.

"The mild turn in the weather resulted in changes to original plans," said Weyburn CO Captain Robert Demencuik. "Before the adventure was over, the snow was turning to slush, but cadets still completed many activities. They learned how to set up a winter camp, built a snow quincy, snowshoed on flat terrain, skied on flats and valleys and learned how to run naptha lanterns and stoves. As 30 cm of snow turned to melt water and mud, the cadets also learned about camping in early spring conditions. The exercise was a success and plans are now being made for a larger concentration next February."

The exercise was part of a new thrust for cadet training that emphasizes adventure training, leadership and lifelong learning experience. The Department of National Defence provides qualified training personnel and equipment at no cost to the cadets. Cadet corps are not intended to create soldiers, but to promote youth fitness, leadership and self-discipline.

From March 3 to 5, The Weyburn Cadets were at at Camp Saskadet east of Greenwater Provincial Park for another winter recreation event with cadets from other corps. Upcoming spring events will include bicycle touring, canoeing, orienteering, recreational air rifle shooting competition, rappelling, annual ceremonial review and summer camps.

All costs for cadet activities are covered. There are no fees charged to cadets or their parents. New cadets are always welcome to join. The Weyburn Cadets meet Tuesday nights from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Weyburn Legion Hall.