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23 Optimist Squadron crest
23 Squadron cadets marching in a community parade with the squadron banner

02Join

One night a week
changes the year.

Open to youth aged 12 to 18. Free to join. Show up once and see what it is.

Start the conversationNational registration

Why join 23

You will do things at 14 that most people never get to do at all.

Fly

Aviation training and opportunities that can lead to glider and power flying scholarships.

Lead

Instruct juniors, run teams, take responsibility that counts.

Belong

A group that expects you to show up, and notices when you do.

Who can join

12 to 18? Start here.

To be eligible as a cadet, one must:

  • Be a legal resident of Canada
  • Be at least 12 years of age
  • Not have attained 19 years of age
  • Normally be in good physical condition
  • Not belong to another corps or squadron

Note: A legal resident of Canada is a Canadian citizen, a landed immigrant, or the dependent of a person who is lawfully residing in Canada on a temporary basis for the purpose of education or employment. Proof of provincial health insurance coverage or equivalent is required.

View current eligibility requirements →

23 Squadron cadets and staff in formation in the parade square

Schedule & commitment

What a training year looks like.

Regular training
Monday evenings during the school year.
Optional training
Additional opportunities may include band, drill, marksmanship and aviation-related training.
Weekend activities
Some activities and training take place outside regular Monday evenings throughout the year.
Summer opportunities
Eligible cadets may have opportunities to participate in optional summer training.

Cost

There is no fee.

Uniforms and core training are provided.

Your first night

Nothing to bring. Nobody expects you to know anything.

  1. 01

    Arrive

    Come as you are. A senior cadet will meet you at the door.

  2. 02

    Look around

    Watch a normal training night. Ask anything.

  3. 03

    Talk to staff

    Parents can speak with the staff while cadets tour.

  4. 04

    Decide later

    Ask questions, talk it over at home, and decide whether 23 feels right for you.

For parents

The questions we get most.

Squadron volunteers serving food at a squadron community event

Registration

Four steps from curious to enrolled.

  1. 01

    Get in touch

    Send us a message or drop by a training night.

  2. 02

    Visit

    See the Squadron in person with your family.

  3. 03

    Apply

    Complete national cadet registration online.

  4. 04

    Enrol

    Get set up and begin your first year as a cadet.

Ready when you are.

Contact 23 SquadronResources