After 27 years helping area youth grow into responsible adults, the 553 Sherlock Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets is in danger of closure due to a declining number of recruits.

Captain Krystal Klenk, commanding officer of squadron 553, said the Department of National Defence (DND) has informed the squadron they must “put in the effort” to sign up at least five or six new recruits, on top of their current five, for the 2013-2014 cadet year or they will be shut down following that year.

“The problem with that is there is not many squadrons around this area,” said Klenk. “We’re actually smack dab in the middle of no cadet squadrons. If the squadron does close by not getting enough cadets in, then there won’t be a squadron for a good hour radius.”

Klenk said the squadron gives young people an opportunity to excel as leaders and develop professionally and as good citizens through its focus on self-discipline, order, structure and public speaking. She said the program also provides fun experiences for the recruits such as a gliding day, exchanges with other squadrons in different parts of the country, survival exercises and trips to the Canadian Forces base in Moose Jaw and the RCMP depot, with funding for the trips coming from DND.

“We need to get the word out that there is this program and all that it has to offer,” she said. “In the past, I’m not too sure people were aware of all it had to offer, kids knowing what it has and also parents knowing the benefits that it can create for their child.”

Formed in February 1986, the squadron has had a membership as high as 42 cadets one year and ran with around 15 to 20 recruits for a number of years. Members are between the ages of 12 and 19 and the cadet year runs from September to the end of May. Cadets do not have an obligation to join the Canadian Forces once they become of age.

To read more please see the March 18 print edition of The Davidson Leader.