By Kristen Oelschlagel
The Trenton Air Cadet Summer Training Centre has had major changes over the years but one thing has stayed the same, the bell.
The bell was first used in Aylmer in the 1950’s at Ontario’s first air cadet summer training program. It moved with the program to RCAF Station Clinton for a few years before coming to what is now CFB Trenton in 1960.
Over the years it has been recovered many times after being taken by pranksters who wanted to take on the challenge of taking the bell. The duty of maintaining the bell was given to cadets as a minor punishment.
The training program is now in it’s 52nd year in Trenton and the bell, which has been depicted on many unofficial unit badges, still hangs at the training centre. It will now be entrusted to the newest group of cadets who arrived in Trenton for summer training on July 7.
Lieutenant Terri-Leigh Saunders said that cadets from all over Canada will be coming to the training centre this summer.
“This summer we will have approximately 900 cadets at any given time, with approximately 1800 joining us over the course of the summer,” Saunders said.
At the start of the program in the 1950’s, all of the facilities at the training program were under canvas tents until 1975 when the first hard shelters were constructed. This was also the year that saw the introduction of girl cadets.
During the Kosovo War in 1999, the summer training centre was moved to Belleville’s Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf when the Department of National Defence used the facilities as a centre for refugees.
The Trenton Air Cadet Summer Training Centre celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010 and was awarded the Freedom of the City of Quinte West. Saunders said it is a friendly gesture between the city and the military unit, in this case the cadets.
“It dates back to a time when there were regiments and fortresses. Historically, it meant they (the military unit) would be able to walk through the city with their drums beating and bayonets. Now it’s more symbolic, saying that we (the city) appreciate and support you being here,” she said.
Saunders said no significant changes have happened this summer but they will be hosting a day to honour Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.
“The commanding officer has requested that the cadets get involved in some way so we’re looking at doing a tree planting ceremony in honour of Her Majesty and having a tree planted here (at the training centre) in recognition of her 60th year.”
She said they are also looking at other options but nothing has been finalized yet.
There are over 23,000 youth between the ages of 12 and 19 participating in air cadet programs across the country. Saunders said the training they receive during the summer enhances the training they get at their home bases throughout the year.
“From September to June, usually one night a week, they would come out and learn different classes. They training they receive in the summer augments what they learn, it’s more daily training rather than doing something like half an hour of training on a Monday night. It’s like going from small pieces to the whole big picture,” said Saunders.
There are 24 summer training centres across Canada, with eight being in Ontario. While most cadets go to centres within their own regions, the Trenton centre has cadets from other parts of the country participate in their Army Cadet Basic Parachutist Course, a national course only offered in Trenton.
Saunders said the seven courses offered gives cadets an opportunity to advance and take what they learned back to their home towns and set a good example for other youth. Cadets will celebrate the completion of their course with a formal graduation parade.