Recently a representative from the Navy League of Canada made a presentation to the Board of Directors of the Linden Woods Community Centre Inc. and asked the board to sponsor a Navy League Cadet Program either alone or in cooperation with other community centers in North Fort Garry Area.  The presentation outlined various aspects of Navy League Cadet Programe and explained the important role the program can play in the development of the young people of the community.

 

One of the objectives of the Community Centre is to plan and initiate or conduct a variety of recreational and leisure activities suited to the needs and requirements of the residents of the designated area.  Due to limited indoor space and lack of financial resources to hire permanent staff, the volunteer board of directors is forced to offer only a few programs.  In an effort to achieve the objective of offering a variety of programs within the available resources, the community centre is always looking for programs feasible within the available resources. Selected programs may be conducted by the community center itself or by another organization under the sponsorship of the community centre.

 

The Navy League Cadet program, in the opinion of the members of the board, falls within the scope of objectives of the community center as well as it is feasible within the available resources.  Furthermore it offers new and different opportunity to the young people of the area, which is not duplicated by any of the programs being offered by the community center.

 

According to the presentation the Navy League Cadet program was started in 1948 and has since introduced many young Canadians to nautical life.  The program is open to both boys and girls between the ages of 9 year to 13 years. The program is comprehensive.  The cadets get to do a lot of fun, interesting activities in an environment with emphases on teamwork.  The overall program fosters the development of leadership skills, good citizenship and physical fitness.  Some activities the cadets enjoy may include: band, camping, sailing, community tours, parades, sports and others all with fun.

 

There is no cost to join the program and the participants get the uniforms free of charge.  The program is community based and has no direct connection with the Armed Forces.  Cadets are not members of Canadian Forces and are free to leave the program at any time.

 

In view of the many positive aspects of the program, the members of the community center board are willing to sponsor the Navy League Cadets Corps in north Fort Garry area. To accomplish this we need four to six volunteers to establish a local branch.  To volunteer, there are no pre-requisites.  You will be an ideal volunteer if you are community minded and like to work with youth. 

 

If you are interested in volunteering or need more information about the Navy League Cadets Corps, please contact any of the executive members of the Linden Woods Community Centre listed on this page of the Linden Word.

 

As always if you would like to volunteer or have any comments or suggestions about the Navy League cadets Program or any other matter related to the community centre, please contact me at 489-1780.

 

Nazir Ahmad

LWCC President