Cayman Cadet Corps looks for new recruits

(CNS): Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps said it is now recruiting young people for its upcoming training programme. This year's programme has room four 70 boys and girls aged between 12 and 17. Since the corps was established in March 2002, over 450 high school students have taken part in the youth-development organization, with a focus on teaching the value of citizenship, leadership, community service and personal responsibility. The corps also aims to instil a sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, teamwork and self-discipline in the youngsters that join, officials said.

The four-year programme, which includes various camps and activities from first aid, survival training and sailing to, music and navigation, will be welcoming a new group this September.

The CICC is open to young men and women of all backgrounds and interests who maintain an A-C average in school. Students aged 12-17 from both public and private schools are welcome to join. Currently, about 120 dedicated young people regularly attend the programme twice a week, Cops officials stated in a release this week.

Throughout the year, the cadets take part in up to 20 community service projects while also participating in challenging military-style and adventurous activities.

Acting Commandment Lt. Col. Bobeth O’Garro has seen the corps move from strength to strength since she joined as its first female officer in 2002, on secondment from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. Now fulltime with the corps, she hopes to inspire more females to join but stresses the benefits to both young men and women.

“The Cadet Corps offers an exceptional opportunity for our young people not only to develop vital life skills such as responsibility, self-respect, teamwork and leadership, but also to understand and embrace spiritual and moral values and the importance of a life dedicated to community service,” Lt. Col. O’Garro explained.

“I could not be prouder of the cadets who have come through this programme over the last 10 years and encourage our new generation of high school students to take up this life-changing and life-affirming challenge.”

The Cadet Corps has places for 70 recruits with the deadline for applications 14 September and the programme is slated to start 22 September.  For more information, please contact the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps at 345-946-9810 or visitwww.cicadetcorps.ky