Effective Speaking Competition
On Sat March 11, three Cadets from 899 Vanderhoof Air Cadet Squadron faced a fate some consider worse than death. Each bravely stood alone in front of a crowd of mostly strangers and gave two speeches during the BC Air Cadet League Northern Wing Effective Speaking Competition held in Quesnel. This followed five months of coaching by Andrew Beuzer, a member of the Vanderhoof Toastmasters Club with assistance from 899’s Civilian Instructor Shawn Burtenshaw that culminated in 899 Vanderhoof’s first ever Squadron Effective Speaking Competition held on 23 February. After 6 training sessions and innumerable practices at home, three members of the Squadron were marked on their 5 minute prepared speech and 3 minute impromptu speech by three local judges. Cpl Lucas Lenartowicz placed third at the Quesnel competition and Sgt Michael Bleeker and Cpl Jacob Bleeker put in a great showing. Congratulations to all and we look forward to next year’s adventure.
Marksmanship Competition
This year 899 Vanderhoof Royal Canadian Air Cadets also participated in the Northern Zone Marksmanship Competition. The five cadets from 899 that attended the competition was FSgt Smith-Clark, Sgt McNichol, Cpl Cammidge, AC Corbin, and AC Cornet. The cadets had to compete in a squadron completion to achieve a spot on the Squadron Team. At this year’s competition our squadron placed 3rd out of 6 teams.
The Canadian Cadet Organization (CCO) has developed the Marksmanship program as a way for cadets to learn safe and proper handling of firearms. The cadets learn and practice marksmanship with the 853A Daisy Air Rifle. Although the cadets use the air rifles, we teach them to treat them like any other firearm that they may encounter in the future. The cadets learn breathing techniques, patience, proper shooting postion, and discipline when taking part in marksmanship.
- submitted by Trina Evans