By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — The days of a local Air Cadets squadron may soon be numbered if enrolment doesn’t increase soon, parents heard at a special meeting last week in Davidson.
Area director Gordon McRae said a meeting was held Monday night to update parents on the future of 553 Sherlock Squadron.
Area officer Patricia Mitchell told those gathered that the squadron must increase its enrolment to 15 cadets by mid-February, or this season could be its last.
“She was honest with us,” said McRae. “They set us a deadline.”
The local squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets has been active in Davidson and district since 1985, but the number of cadets has gradually dropped over the last decade and a half.
A total of seven cadets are registered at present, up from four at the end of last year, but down considerably from previous years. (By contrast, 30 cadets were enrolled for the 1998-99 season.)
A further complication comes from the recent announcement that commanding officer Capt. Krystal Klenk-Potts is moving to Lanigan and will join the 797 Lanigan Knights of Columbus Squadron there.
McRae said the Air Cadets head office has been patient with Sherlock Squadron, owing to the enthusiasm and involvement of its cadets.
He added that the local group has been “on probation” for around five years, and that they have now reached a point where it is no longer feasible for the squadron to continue to operate.
“Small numbers hurt more than you realize,” he said. “They don’t get the full potential out of the squadron.”
While the cadets have used events like open houses and the annual ceremonial review to promote the program, McRae said word of mouth has proven to be the most effective means of spreading the word.
“We get the most results when the cadets talk about the program themselves,” he said.
The Air Cadets program is open to youth aged 12 through 19 and is aimed at promoting physical fitness, teaching leadership and citizenship, and stimulating interest in the Canadian Forces.
Outdoor activities include survival, marksmanship and aviation training. Cadets can also perform community service and develop skills like effective speaking.
The 553 Sherlock Squadron meets on Mondays at Davidson Town Hall.