11-03 – Cadet Program Mandate
Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATOs)
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Purpose
1. This document outlines the mandate for the Cadet Program. This mandate (outlined in the Cadet Program Parameters) was approved by VCDS at the National Cadet Council (NCC) on 25 May 2005. The Cadet Program Parameters are included in the Cadet Program Planning Guidance. The text below is extracted from that Planning Guidance.
2. This order supersedes CATO 11-03 dated February 1999 and is effective upon receipt.
General
3. The Cadet Program Mandate outlines the desired characteristics of the Department’s youth program and the participant-level outcomes that the program is intended to achieve. The Cadet Program Mandate encompasses the following sections, which collectively define the long-term strategic direction of the Cadet Program:
- program mission and vision;
- program aim; and
- intended participant outcomes.
4. The Cadet Program Mandate applies to each of the Sea, Army and Air Cadet Organizations.
Mission and vision
5. The Cadet Program mission and vision is intended to provide direction, awareness and understanding of the program as a whole and the specific purpose and future direction of the Cadet Program at the national strategic level.
6. Mission. The mission of the Cadet Program is to contribute to the development and preparation of youth for the transition to adulthood, enabling them to meet the challenges of modern society, through a dynamic, community-based program.
7. Vision. A relevant, credible and proactive youth development organization, offering the program of choice for Canada’s youth, preparing them to become the leaders of tomorrow through a set of fun, challenging, well-organized and safe activities.
Aim
8. The aim of the Cadet Program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces. The three aspects of the stated aim are amplified below to provide guidance and clarification as to the development of these attributes within Cadets.
- develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership through:
(1) citizenship: Cadets develop an understanding of and appreciation for community membership and involvement within cadet, local, regional, provincial, national and global communities. Inherent in this membership is an acceptance of, and respect for, multiculturalism within Canada and the world. Through their active involvement, cadets will have a positive impact on local communities, contributing to community strength and vibrancy.
(2) leadership: In this peer-led program, cadets develop interpersonal skills and assume responsibility as effective team members, leaders and dynamic coaches that conduct themselves in an ethical and socially responsible way.
- promote physical fitness. The Cadet Program aims to promote physical well-being. Cadets develop an understanding of the benefits of fitness and a healthy lifestyle. This understanding combined with on-going participation in fitness activities, aids in the development of positive attitudes and behaviours that build resiliency within cadets and enable them to meet challenges.
- stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces: By exposing youth to the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces they develop elemental skills through introduction to, and interaction with, their respective CF communities. To maximize the elemental experience, the Cadet Program educates and promotes liaison with civilian maritime, adventure and aviation communities. These combined experiences and interactions are essential to the unique identity of the Sea, Army and Air Cadet Organizations, distinguishing each from the other, and the Cadet Program as a whole from other youth development programs.
Intended participant outcomes
9. The five intended outcomes of the Canadian Cadet Program and their 14 underlying competencies are:
- emotional and physical well-being: optimizing the functioning of the body through attitudes and behaviours. Physical wellness is not a state of perfection, but rather, a life-long process of healthy mind and body development. This includes the ability to:
(1) display positive self-esteem and personal qualities; and
(2) meet physical challenges by living a healthy and active lifestyle.
- comportement social: social competence: the manner in which one consistently responds to other individuals, expects other individuals to respond to oneself and interaction with members of groups sharing one’s “social address” as well as with members of groups different than one’s own. This includes the ability to:
(1) contribute as an effective team member;
(2) accept personal accountability for actions and choices;
(3) exercise sound judgement; and
(4) demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills.
- cognitive competence: intellectual development and the integration of information into operational functions. This includes the ability to:
(1) solve problems;
(2) think creatively and critically; and
(3) display a positive attitude toward learning.
- proactive citizenship: positively impacting on and building stronger communities. Inherent in this are:
(1) exemplify positive values;
(2) participate actively as a valued member of a community; and
(3) commitment to community.
- understanding the Canadian Forces: Cadets gain an understanding of the Canadian Forces through an introduction and an exposure to the Sea, Land and Air elements of the Canadian Forces. This education, interaction and experience is essential in developing a unique identity in each of the Cadet Organizations through:
(1) knowledge of the history of the Canadian Forces; and
(2) knowledge of the Canadian Forces’ contributions as a national institution.
OPI: D Cdts 2
Date: May 06
Amendment: Ch 2/06
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