Staff & Advanced Training

Cadet Summer Training - CTC

For many cadets, participating in summer training is the highlight of their year. The many diverse training opportunities offered during the summer months, including the Cadet Training Centre (CTC) Courses, the Technology and Digital Learning Centre (TDLC), and the National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC) are the perfect occasion to make friends for life during experiences youth will never forget.

Course Cadet Info

Summer Training is open for application to all cadets Red Star and higher, and is selected by the Region. All cadets who are selected will be given an offer of participation.

Link to Cadets Canada Summer Camp Info

Summer Camp Joining Instructions

Summer Camp CTC Info Site (C365)

Complete the 2026 Course Cadet Interest Survery Now!

Complete the 2026 Staff Cadet Interest Survery Now!

Cadet Training 2026.pdf

In-Person Cadet Summer Training Courses

In-person training courses are conducted at a Cadet Training Centre (CTC) for two or more weeks. Cadets will live and train at one of the cadet programs various camps across the country. Normally, our cadet corps goes to Blackdown CTC, located outside of Barrie, ON.

Red Star and Higher:

Introduction to Marskmanship (ITM) - 2 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Introduction to Marksmanship Course enables cadets to acquire specialized skills and knowledge in marksmanship, facilitating their participation in zone and regional marksmanship competitions. It equips them to mentor junior cadets in marksmanship while advancing the skills learned in the program.
Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial (ITDC) - 2 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial Course engages cadets with the chance to enhance their leadership abilities and deepen their knowledge and skills in drill and ceremonial practices acquired in the program.
Introduction to Fitness and Sports (ITFS) - 2 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Introduction to Fitness and Sports Course offers cadets a chance to refine skills acquired in the Corps / Squadron Program, aiding in fitness and sports training within the Corps / Squadron Program. Additionally, participants learn about embracing a healthy lifestyle.
Introduction to Military Band (ITMB) - 2 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Introduction to Military Band Course allows cadets to continue honing their understanding and proficiency in music, drill, ceremonial practices, and leadership skills acquired through the corps / squadron program or regional activities.
Introduction to Pipe Band (ITPB) - 2 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Introduction to Pipe Band Course allows cadets to continue honing their understanding and proficiency in music, drill, ceremonial practices, and leadership skills acquired through the corps / squadron program or regional activities.
Expedition Team Member Course (ETM) - 2 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Expedition Team Member Course allows cadets to deepen their understanding and proficiency in expedition-related knowledge and skills. It focuses on building the foundational competencies required for serving as an Expedition Team Member. Activities encompass navigation training, a five-day expedition, and specialized adventure training.

Silver Star and Higher:

Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor (ARMI) - 4 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to further personal marksmanship knowledge and skills, and develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of an Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor. Activities include marksmanship techniques, instructional techniques, and coaching. Cadets attending this course will also have an opportunity to progress in their marksmanship level qualification.
Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course (DCI) - 4 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of a Drill and Ceremonial Instructor. Activities include advanced drill, instructional techniques and leadership in the conducting of parades and ceremonies.
Fitness and Sports Instructor Course (FSI) - 4 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Fitness and Sports Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to further personal fitness and healthy living knowledge and skills, and develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of a Fitness and Sports Instructor. Activities include personal fitness, healthy living, conducting the Cadet Fitness Assessment, and leading physical activities.
Military Band Musician (MB) - 4 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Military Band Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop music skills to support participation in and / or leading corps / squadron military bands. Activities include music training and band activities such as music theory, music technique, band drill, leadership and performing ensemble music. Cadets attending this course will also have the opportunity to progress in their music proficiency level qualifications.
- Music Proficiency Level: Musician Level II
Pipe Band Musician (PB) - 4 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Pipe Band Musician Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop music skills to support participation in and / or leading corps / squadron pipe bands. Activities include music training and band activities such as music theory, music technique, band drill, leadership and performing pipe band music. Cadets attending this course will also have the opportunity to progress in their music proficiency level qualifications.
- Music Proficiency Level: Pipes and Drums Level II
Expedition Team Leader Course (ETL) - 4 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Expedition Team Leader Course provides cadets an opportunity to cultivate outdoor leadership skills and develop as a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge to perform the duties of an Expedition Team Leader within the Army Cadet Program. Activities include navigation, a multi-day expedition, adventure training, leadership, and instructional technique.
- Preferred: Expedition Team Member and/or Cadet Expedition Site Training (PO 326).

Gold Star and Higher:

Mountain Bike Instructor Course (MBI) - 2 Weeks / Blackdown CTC
- The Mountain Bike Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the specialist skills required to perform as a Mountain Bike Instructor at the cadet corps, summer training centre and on expeditions. Activities include riding a mountain bike on intermediate and advanced trails, conducting a mountain bike activity, and performing repairs on a mountain bike.
- Must be able to ride a bike
- Preferred: Expedition Team Leader, Expedition Team Member, and/or Cadet Expedition Site Training (PO 326 or PO 426).
Basic Parachutist Course (BPC) - 5 Weeks / Trenton CTC
- The Basic Parachutist Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to become a Canadian Forces (CF) Basic Paratrooper. Cadets selected for this course will participate in intense high-level physical training activities in remote locations and in high altitudes. Prior to attending the course, cadets will need to be certified by a CF medical officer as being physically and mentally fit, with no medical limitations.
- Age 16 as of 1 Jul of activity participation
- Minimum fitness prerequisite of  31 continuous sit-ups, 7 continuous chin-ups  and a 1600-metre run in under 7:30 minutes.

ALP & Master Cadet

National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC) - 06 Jul-21 Aug 2026 / Vernon CTC
- The National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC) is hosted by the Commander Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Gp (CJCR Gp) with personnel administrative support provided by Regional Cadet Support Unit (RCSU) Pacific and logistical support provided by host RCSUs while operating as a lodger unit of Vernon Cadet Training Centre (CTC). The working group will provide the opportunity for the Comd and senior Formation staff to engage directly with a group of senior cadets from across the country on a variety of Cadet Program related topics.

Technology & Digital Learning Centre (TDLC)

TDLC Courses are virtual, two-week work from home courses that include online courseware and instruction. Each course is for Cadets who have completed Red Star or higher and are applied for in the same manner as in-person CTC.

Cyber Safety and Security Team Leader (CSSTL)
- The Cyber Safety and Security Team Leader course provides cadets with the opportunity to engage with cyber security experts in the Canadian Armed Forces, recognize security measures in Windows and Linux, and participate in a cybersecurity competition.
- Cadets attending this course, if successful, can achieve the Cyber Leader certification. This will help them practice safe online behaviours and be prepared to lead cybersecurity activities in their corps or squadron.
- Requirements: Laptop / computer able to operate VMware player (not compatible with Chromebooks)

Support Services Team Leader (SSTL)
- The Support Services Team Leader course provides cadets the opportunity to gain an understanding of the internal operations of cadet corps and squadron and how to provide support in areas such as Supply and Administration in leadership positions.
- Cadets attending this course, if successful, can achieve WHMIS Certification.
- Recommended: Training Year 3+ as course content may be challenging for junior cadets.
- Requirements: Digital Camera (Mobile or Separate)

Basic Microdrone Operator (BMDO)
- The Basic Microdrone Operator course provides cadets the opportunity to learn about drones in the Canadian Armed Forces, prepare for the Transport Canada Pilot Certificate - Basic Operations exam, obtain their Transport Canada Restricted Operator Certificate (Aeronautical) and explore careers involving drones.
- Cadets attending this course, if successful, can achieve Transport Canada certification.
- Recommended: Training Year 3+ as course content may be challenging for junior cadets.

Nova Quest (NQ)
- The Nova Quest course provides cadets the opportunity to explore the Canadian Aerospace industry, its exciting past, and the potential future for advanced space technologies.
- Activities include simulating life in space, and its intricacies in survival, communication, and exploration, identifying celestial objects, and exploring new technologies in the aerospace world.

Basic Coder (BC)
- The Basic Coder course provides cadets the opportunity to explore coding and digital creativity. Activities include learning to use block code in Minecraft and coding a VR robot. Cadets will develop a digital community, compete in eSports competitions, and engage in discussions with the Canadian Armed Forces.  and a 1600-metre run in under 7:30 minutes.

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