CFB BORDEN – The sun has set on another summer for Camp Blackdown.
On Friday morning, sea, air and army cadets gathered at the Blackdown Cadet Training Centre at CFB Borden, located west of Barrie, to graduate from the program.
Special guest Brig.-Gen. John Valtonen, deputy commander of the 4th Canadian Division, acted as the reviewing officer for the ceremony and gave a speech to the cadets.
“The most important thing to build is confidence in our youth,” he told the crowd. “I’m proud to be here today.”
Over the summer, more than 1,600 cadets participated in two, four- or six-week camps at the facility to run through a myriad of challenging training opportunities. Blackdown is one of 24 cadet summer camps across the country.
Valtonen gave advice to the graduating cadets.
“The one most important thing for you to remember is to continue to work, drive and challenge yourself,” he said. “The potential is unbelievable.”
The national youth program, which is free to participate in, is sponsored by Canadian Forces, the Navy League, the Army Cadet League and the Air Cadet League.
It is designed to stimulate an interest in the Canadian military while also working on leadership skills and promoting physical fitness.
- with files from Raymond Bowe
