Cadets on final parade

Another summer has come to an end at the Vernon Army Cadet Training Centre.

The camp has been in operation for more than 60 years and during that time thousands of youths have attended.

Courses range from two to six weeks where participants learn about drill, marksmanship and other aspects of military life, but the lesson goes beyond military training.

Life lessons are learned and for some, lifelong bonds are formed with each other and with the camp itself.

Maj. Patty Paul was with the first group of female cadets to train at the camp in 1975, and since then it has become a home away from home.

“I've been with the program ever since,” said Paul. “This is my tenth current year back at the camp consistently. I do have a lot of memories. It's my summer home.”

The training the cadets learned will extend beyond their time in Vernon as well.

“The training they receive here ultimately will assist them when the go back to the corp to bring on the next generation,” said Paul.

A final parade is planned for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Dieppe Square – across from the main camp – with more than 900 cadets and officers participating.

Photo: Darren Handschuh