The Vernon Army Cadet Summer Training Centre, located just outside the city of Vernon, B.C., is perhaps one of the most picturesque Summer Training Centres in all of Canada along with Quadra on BC’s west coast and the former camp in Banff, Alberta. The training centre sits atop Mission Hill surrounded by hills and forested mountains. It is now the oldest continuous serving army cadet training centre in Canada having surpassed Banff in 1999 and Ipperwash in 1994. Ipperwash was also a WWII era H-Hut camp. Today only a few 1941-45 constructed H-Huts remain elsewhere in Canada, most have been demolished or forgotten. Camp Vernon has the largest and best conditioned examples of these once ubiquitous buildings.
It was at this historic site where Captain Jonathon Carpino was presented with the Junior Officer’s Sword of Excellence at the final parade and sunset ceremony.
The sword is awarded to the most deserving junior officer for outstanding performance and contribution to the vision of VASTC as a Centre of Excellence for cadet training. Eligible officers are junior officers from Second Lieutenant to Captain and they are judged on maintaining a high standard of dress and deportment, conduct as an officer, outstanding job performance, respect by peers, initiative and leadership.
Captain Carpino worked as a Platoon Commander Officer for the Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course this summer. He is an officer with 3125 Calgary Highlanders, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps here in Chestermere. The cadets parade each Monday evening at 1040 Lakeview Road, Chestermere from 6:30pm to 9:30pm and recruits are always welcome.
During the summer, 1500 army, sea and air cadets from western Canada spent up to six weeks in the Okanagan Valley centre, expanding the training they receive at their home corps, developing new skills and forming friendships.
If you are interested in getting involved with the 3125 Calgary Highlanders, Royal Canadian Arm Cadet Corps in Chestermere, please www.chestermerecadets.com or give them a call at 403 265-3125.
