Air Cadet Activity Day 2007
For some 400 young people, Air Cadet Activity Day (ACAD) 2007 was an awesome event. Ask cadets what they thought, and they would probably say something like, "It’s great!" or "It’s a chance to meet cadets from many squadrons, renew old friendships and make new ones, and have a lot of fun!"
Saturday, May 26, 2007, was the 27th ACAD, an event hosted annually since 1981 on the last weekend in May by 16 Wing Borden and the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering, assisted by various units and individuals in and around Borden.
The Air Command Academy, and notably 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, among others, made the day the screaming success it was. The efforts of Captain Steve Jefferys and the organizing committee ensured that the day was packed full of activities, both challenging and enjoyable.
ACAD originated as a small effort by Borden Air Cadet Liaison Officers to provide an entertaining venue for their particular squadrons. It was organized to meet all three aims of the Cadet Program: develop leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate an interest in the Canadian Forces. ACAD has evolved into a day that covers all those aims in full!
This year, the leadership and physical fitness events included a drill competition, an air rifle target competition, a sports skills medley, a tug of war, and a confidence course challenge, with all events graded for team spirit.
The attempt to stimulate an interest in the CF included contact with many CF members, both as organizers and as technical advisors, in the large number of CF air occupation displays in CFSATE’s Stedman Building and, last but not least, a ride in a CH-146 Griffon helicopter.
164 Shelburne Squadron took the overall trophy this year, but everyone had fun, so everyone was a winner. Some squadrons came from over 160 kilometres away, some from as close as 30 kilometres, but in all 18 squadrons attended. With CF members, cadet staff and cadets, almost 600 people were on hand for ACAD.
A significant level of effort that makes it all happen, and the organization takes months. However, the day is a blast for all, with the energy from the cadets boosting the efforts of the base volunteers. Mr. Jim Gale, Area Vice Chair for the Grey / Bruce / Simcoe Counties - Ontario Provincial Committee, Air Cadet League of Canada put it very succinctly: "[ACAD] is the most motivational and interesting day that the cadets spend in the whole year, and you can tell by the smiles on their face how much they are enjoying it."
