Learn to Lead – Learn to Fly!

We are currently at capacity – and are not permitted to take in more cadets.

Look below to find out:

  • When is our next cadet intake?
  • What can you expect from cadets?
  • What does it take to join cadets?
    • What forms need to be completed?
    • What supporting documentation is required?

Next Intake:

Interested in joining the Air Cadets in Cambridge?
January 2026 will be our next intake opportunity to join the program here. We currently are at capacity for cadets – but do expect to have limited space for new cadets to join then.

NOTE – Even at capacity- anyone else whom applies online ( link below) to be a member of 296 Sqn will be put on a waitlist for space to open.


Recruiting –

We will hold an information night on joining cadets in Mid January. It will explain what to expect from cadets at that time.

We are encouraging all of those prospective cadets and their parents to join us that night.

All of those people have been sent an e-mail confirming that those 45 spaces are available to them – but anyone after will be going on a waiting list. So as of 10 Sep 2025 – if you have not applied to be a cadet with 296 squadron – you will need a space to open before we can add any more.

So on ( TBC Date) we will have the information night. 1900h. We will also know how many spaces we have open.

on ( TBC Date)– we will accept the completed documents from those whom still wish to continue to apply from those prospective cadets.

If any addtional spaces remain- we will then open them to any subsequent prospective cadets with applications in that we can fit.

Recruit training will begin on ( TBC Date) for those we can accept.

We and our peer units in Waterloo Region have found a tremndous increase in interest in cadets – with for example those 40+ applicants applying without us making any advertising. No signs, no news articles, no paid online advertising. We are not the only cadet unit that has had to put upper limits on how many cadets we can safely manage.

RECRUIT INFO NIGHT:

RECRUIT DOC HAND IN NIGHT

RECRUITS ACCEPTED BEGIN TRAINING

Want to see what cadets are up too? Check our calendar here:

https://www.296aircadets.com/events/month

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RECRUITING INFORMATION SESSION

Each September and January we normally hold information nights where we explain how cadets works .

During one of our recruiting information sessions, we’ll let you know the following:

  • What Cadets is all about!
  • What challenges and opportunities does cadets offer
  • What is expected of new cadets
  • What can YOU expect out of the program
  • Understanding how parents support and program costs

Cambridge Armoury – Located beside bus terminal on Ainsle Street.   Parking lot beside building is entered off of Mill / Lutz Street.

Cadets offers a unique and challenging set of training and opportunities. Cadets will be expected to meet expecations in performance that include attendance, managing their uniforms, class participation, and more. Many cadets fail to complete their first year – it is not for everyone. Further – many underestimate the amount of time and effort required to be successful at cadets .

From learning music, to playing sports, from camping to travelling – cadets is a fantastic opportunity. It can be challenging, in terms of both personal effort, strenght of character and time. Many join the program with high hopes, and many do not complete the first training year. Others may leave later to concentrate on school, work or family committments.

Cadets is NOT Free. Increasing costs are being sent to local units – from meals to bussing. Further – as a very active squadron – we have to fundraise to support our additional training like camping, our band, and more. Cadets and their parents will be expected to participate in this fundraising.

See below for application process:

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What is required to Join?

To be eligible for membership as a cadet one must:

  1. be a legal resident of Canada;​
    NOTE: A legal resident of Canada is a Canadian citizen, a landed immigrant, or, the dependant of a person who is lawfully resident in Canada on a temporary basis for the purpose of education or employment.
  2. provide proof of provincial health insurance coverage or equivalent;
  3. be at least 12 years of age;
  4. not have attained 19 years of age;
  5. normally be in good physical condition;
  6. not belong to another corps or squadron; and
  7. be acceptable to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the cadet corps or squadron.

The applicant will complete the following documents from us:

Online Registration – all prospective cadets, transfering cadets and returning to the program cadets after leaving will be required to have a complete ONLINE REGISTRATION done using the registration tool. We use this entry to form our waiting list for prospective new cadets:

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/cadets-junior-canadian-rangers/cadets/join-us.html

UNIT DOCUMENTS – after completing the registration, prospective cadets must also hand in their supporting documentation, and complete addtional documents. Those addtional documents are:

  1. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CADETS – a comprehensive guide for behaviour and deportment by cadets.
  2. GREEN CARD – a contact information card

These documents will be handed out at our information sessions. The package also contains information about program costs.

Required supporting documentation:

  • Proof of health insurance: Provincial health insurance card (OHIP)
    • Cadets may have recently moved from another province – we can accept the provincial health card from other provinces during that transition to an OHIP card.
    • Cadets may have the valid temporary Ontario health card. These are official forms approved by the Ont govt from the Service Ontario Office – which are valid while the Ohip card is en route to you via mail.
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  • Proof of age/ legal status:
    • a valid Canadian passport;
    • a birth certificate issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal government agency;
    • any card, visa or permit (work, study, resident, etc.) (with photo) issued by the Canadian government which legally authorizes the person to reside in Canada for an extended period of time; or
    • any identification card (with or without photo) issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal government agency. No certificates of live birth please.
  • Court Order / Custody Order:
    • Access Rights to the applicant (cadet). If applicable, a copy of the relevant section of any court decree, judgment or separation agreement defining the legal guardian access rights.
    • Limitations, obligations and conditions. If applicable, a copy of the relevant section any court, tribunal decree or judgment imposing restrictions, obligations and/or conditions on the cadet. (e.g. not to handle certain objects, not be near certain individuals, imposed a curfew)

Please bring photocopies & have the original documents with you when you sign-up to join.

Limitations, obligations and conditions. If applicable, a copy of the relevant section any court, tribunal decree or judgment imposing restrictions, obligations and/or conditions on the cadet. (e.g. not to handle certain objects, not be near certain individuals, imposed a curfew)

Access Rights to the applicant (cadet). If applicable, a copy of the relevant section of any court decree, judgment or separation agreement defining the legal guardian access rights.

296 City of Cambridge Squadron is one of the most successful youth organizations in the cadet program.    Since 1943- we’ve been creating future leaders.   

We offer challenge and opportunity  .Cadets is the premier Canadian youth organization. 

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have been cadets. The leadership, problem solving, & experiences benefit these young people – making them valuable and capable in the world.

296 Squadron has been active in the Cambridge area for more than 80 years!

Team of cadets whom completed an obstacle course together

Tell us more:

296 City of Cambridge Squadron meets every Wednesday during the school year.  Cadets are expected to participate in mandatory training on Wednesdays, and some additional events including Gliding, Remembrance Day, Fitness and Community service.

Please attend one of our Recruiting Information nights to find out more!

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Cadets departing in the All Night Vigil prior to Remembrance Day

   We look forward to seeing you at one of the information sessions. 

Call us if you have a question, we’re present Wed Evenings 519-621-2848

https://www.facebook.com/cambridgeaircadets