Photo: submitted.
Lower Sackville teen conquers ultimate Army Cadet challenge in Chile
By Capt Liam Mather,
Regional Cadet Support Unit (Atlantic) PAO
Chelsea Dicks, of Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia, recently spent 12 days backcountry trekking and kayaking the Patagonia mountains as part of the International Army Cadet Expedition to Chile.
Chelsea, a member of the 3036 Sackville Lions Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Lower Sackville, participated in two days of fitness testing and expedition preparation before heading to Chile along with 18 other top army cadets selected from across Canada. The expedition itself included a multi-day backcountry trekking experience followed by sea kayaking and visiting the famous Penguin Island before returning to Canada.
“We had a great time on International Expedition,” adds Chelsea. “There were a lot of good challenges, but being with such a great group really made it an experience I’ll never forget!”
Hosted in 2018 around the Torres Del Paine area of Chile, the International Army Cadet Expedition is an annual event designed for senior army cadets ages 16 to 18. The expedition challenges cadets’ core skills of leadership and teamwork in a unique outdoor setting that helps improve upon the skills introduced at their local Army Cadet Corps. Annually, 18 army cadets from across the country are selected for the opportunity that acts at the top level of the Army Cadet Expedition Program. To be selected to attend, cadets must have achieved one of the highest levels of training at their Army Cadet Corps, participate in zone and regional expeditions, and have achieved a minimum of gold level in the Army Cadet Fitness Test.
