Sea Cadet Kaden Ellis from Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Hampton Gray VC in Nelson was recently awarded the Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans Medal of Merit as the top cadet in a six-week sail instructor course at HMCS Quadra’s cadet summer training centre in Comox.
The medal of merit is awarded to the top cadet in each senior course at cadet summer training centres across Canada. Ellis was selected based on his overall achievement on the course, leadership qualities, instructional abilities, dress and deportment, motivation, and cooperation with others.
Ellis, 16, spent six weeks in Comox at HMCS Quadra learning advanced sailing skills, instructional techniques, and participating in numerous regattas throughout the summer. He is part of only the second ever CanSail class of certified coaches in the new sea cadet programme.
“Sea cadets has not only taught me to be a leader, but also to be a good follower and listener. This summer at Quadra, I was able to be part of a great team of talented and skilled sailors and make friends with Cadets from all across Canada,” said the young sailor.
Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a national youth program sponsored by the Department of National Defence and the Navy League of Canada. The program is offered to all youth in Canada aged 12 to 18 and is provided at zero cost to families. Adults interested in volunteering or youth interested in joining, are encouraged to contact RCSCC Hampton Gray VC’s commanding officer, Lt. (N) Michelle Harris at 81sea(at)cadets.gc.ca