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New sea cadet corps begins in Sooke

Girouard heads up bew cadet corps
22301sookenewcadetcorps
Ten-year-old Coxswain Bradon Muttit of the Navy League Cadet Corps(NCLL) Admiral Girouard shakes hand with Adm.(Ret'd) Roger Girouard at the grand opening of the new cadet corps in Sooke.

A new addition to the sea cadet family opened its doors in Sooke Feb. 6 for youth ages nine to 12.

 

Under the namesake title of Admiral (Ret’d) Roger Girouard, the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) celebrated its beginning at Branch 54 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

 

“I am a strong believer in youth programming,” said NLCC President Paula McCormick. “The cadet program is an opportunity for youth to realize their own strengths, have a chance to pursue interests, learn new things and provide a wonderful social learning environment.”

 

Over the years McCormick’s two sons joined the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Admiral Waller in Sooke, and then moved into teaching and mentoring cadets at the summer training camp on Quadra Island.

“Admiral Girouard was always a guest at my sons’ corps. He connected well with the cadets and is a fabulous role model. He takes an active interest in the cadets and was the perfect candidate and the only person I considered for the namesake role,” said McCormick.

 

The former Maritime Forces Pacific Admiral was honoured to take this post.

 

“I think it’s special putting my name on one of the most noble endeavours there is,” he said. “My expectations for these youngsters are pretty humble: some fun, some teamwork, and exposure to the sea at their doorstep and the navy in their back yard.”

 

This is the first Navy League Cadet Corps in Sooke and number 207 in Canada. 
The cadets will take part in the annual June 12 review, Remembrance Day, Battle of Atlantic parades, geocaching, and a special water sports weekend in Port Alberni. .

 

New recruits, Navy League officers and volunteers are encouraged to contact Commanding Officer Lt(N) Christian Parise at NLCO@sookenavyleague.ca or 778-430-0187.

The new corps meets every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Branch 54 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Story  courtesy of Victoria Lookout newspaper (CFB Esquimalt’s navy newspaper).