Welcome New
Cadet Families
A quick start guide for your first few weeks at 223 Red Lion
Congratulations, your cadet has joined a national youth program that helps young people build confidence, leadership, and real life skills. This page is your quick guide to the first few weeks so you are not guessing about where to be, what to wear, or who to ask.
Haven’t joined yet? Visit “Is Air Cadets Right For Our Family?” as this page is focused on the practical side of getting started.
Parade night schedule
Parade night is Thursday evenings from 18:15 to 21:15 unless you are told otherwise.
Location: G20 building, 1250 Mission Road, Vernon Military Camp
(See blow for more directions!)
On a typical night your cadet will:
Arrive and fall in for opening parade and announcements
Rotate through classes and activities
Take part in drill and fitness or team practices
Fall in again for closing parade and dismissal
Please aim to arrive a little early so your cadet is on the parade square and ready to start at 18:15.
Your First Few Thursday Nights:
Uniforms
Uniforms are supplied on loan at no cost. After enrollment, the squadron will supply your Cadet with a Uniform.
IMPORTANT: In order to have a uniform issued, Cadets MUST complete the following Uniform Request Form:
Until their uniform is issued (see below), your cadet can wear:
Clean, comfortable clothing similar to what they would wear to school
Closed toe shoes
No ripped clothing or offensive logos
They should also bring:
A small notebook and pen or pencil
A refillable water bottle
Getting Onto Base
(Drop-Off and Pick-Up)
We parade at the Vernon Military Camp in the G20 building, 1250 Mission Road.
Entry and Parking
Enter the camp through the Gate at “The Hook Road”
Follow the road to building G20
Park in the small lot on the north side of G20 or in any area that is signed for visitor parking
Do not park in marked fire lanes or areas reserved for military vehicles
Traffic Flow
As our squadron grows, traffic and parking around the building can get busy. To keep everyone safe and ensure smooth operations, please follow these guidelines.
Follow the designated traffic flow shown in the drop off and pick up diagram on this page
Keep moving forward in the line when dropping off or picking up, and avoid blocking the roadway
Consider carpooling when you can to reduce traffic and make parking easier for everyone
Pick up
Cadets are normally dismissed between 9:05 PM & 9:15 PM / 21:05 - 21:15
Please arrive on time and use the same traffic flow as drop off
If you arrive early, wait in a parking space until your cadet is dismissed
If you are waiting in the pickup area, please turn off your headlights so cadets and staff are not distracted during closing parade
If you need to wait for your cadet, stay in a marked parking space rather than stopping in the main traffic lane
Drop Off
Drop off is at 18:15 / 6:15 PM On Thursdays
Drop your cadet near the entrance to G20, then pull forward or park as directed
If you need to speak with staff, park first and then come inside rather than stopping in the flow of traffic
Thank you!
Your cooperation with these simple steps helps keep parade nights safe, smooth, and organized for all families, staff, and cadets.
How Communication Works
The Cadet Program is youth-led. Part of that leadership is learning to manage information.
Cadets are expected to:
Listen to announcements on parade nights
Check messages in Microsoft 365 (Cadet365) Team’s General Chat & email DAILY
Write down important details if needed
Ask their NCO or an officer if they are unsure
Bring information home and share it with parents or caregivers
Uniforms:
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to:
Ask their cadet first what information has been given
Use the website and calendar as a backup to confirm dates, times, dress and locations
Make sure the squadron has at least one current parent email address
Check email and or other parent communication channels for reminders and last minute changes
Reporting absences
If your cadet will be absent from a Thursday parade night or an activity they have signed up for, please:
Call or text the Squadron cell at 250 309 9490, and
Leave a message with your cadet’s name and the reason for their absence
Regular communication helps staff plan training and make sure cadets stay on track.
Calendar >
The online calendar shows parade nights, dress for the night, and upcoming activities such as field training, band, drill, marksmanship and special events.
The calendar shows the upcoming Monthly Parent Meetings, run by the SSC (Squadron Sponsoring Committee - similar to a school PAC) meetings where ALL parents are welcome to attend!
In Google, you can subscribe here so events appear on your own phone or computer calendar.
Encourage your cadet to check the calendar regularly and manage their own schedule.
Contact Details
For specific program inquiries & to report absences:
Contact the squadron cell: 250-309-9490
Parents with general questions?
Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) email: chair@223redlion.ca
See an error on the website or something missing?
Contact webmaster@223redlion.ca
Where To Find Information
Parents: Sign up for the Parents Mailing List
To receive communication from parents in the SSC, sign up using the form below. Once you are verified, we will add you to this private mailing list:
Where should your Cadet find information?
On their Microsoft 365 / Teams Account:
Messages are sent to their Teams General Chat
On the website under the “For Cadets” menu above
IMPORTANT: Cadets should use their 365 account regularly and ensure it is not left unused as doing so WILL hinder their efforts to join fun activities such as summer training camps.
Meet the SSC (Squadron Sponsoring Committee)
Behind the scenes at 223 Red Lion, there is a parent group that keeps things moving. That group is the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) which is:
A registered charity run by cadet parents
A five-member Board of Directors elected by parents each year
Here to support the squadron wherever national funding does not quite cover everything
Current Executive:
Chair: Richard Aulin (chair@223redlion.ca)
Vice Chair and Screening: Sarah McDonnell (vicechair@223redlion.ca)
Secretary: Carie Liefke (secretary@223redlion.ca)
Treasurer: Andrew Riedel
Media and Communications: Lesia Payne (webmaster@223redlion.ca)
Every parent/guardian is welcome and encouraged to attend our Monthly Meetings that are run by the SSC.
When do the monthly parent meetings happen
First Thursday of every month
From September to June
At 6:30 pm 8:00 pm at G20 while cadets are at parade