23 OPTIMIST SQUADRONRoyal Canadian Air Cadets
Look up.
Then go further.
Flight, leadership and friendship for youth aged 12 to 18. No experience needed, no cost to join.
Ages 12–18Free to joinMonday evenings · September–June81 Lake St., St. Catharines, ON
This is 23
A place to be challenged.
A place to be trusted.
A place to grow.
Every week, cadets at 23 Squadron learn new skills, take on challenges and progressively build the confidence to lead and support one another.
What they gain goes beyond the training itself: confidence, responsibility, friendships and a place to belong.
What cadets do
One squadron.
More than one way to grow.
01
Aviation
Aviation training, flight simulation and opportunities within the Air Cadet flying program.
02
Leadership
Cadets progressively take on leadership roles, with senior cadets teaching, mentoring and helping guide younger cadets.
03
Training
Instruction, practical skills and progressive training that builds knowledge and confidence year after year.
04
Challenge
Field exercises, biathlon, marksmanship and other activities that challenge cadets beyond the classroom.
05
Music
Squadron band and ceremonial performance for cadets interested in developing their musical skills.
06
Community
Parades, remembrance, volunteering and opportunities to represent 23 Squadron in our community.
Life at 23
You can arrive
knowing no one.
That doesn't
last long.
Cadets learn alongside people their own age, supported by senior cadets who have been in their shoes. Over time, training nights become more than somewhere to go—they become somewhere you belong.
12–18
Age range
Free
to join
Why Air Cadets
Big opportunities.
Close to home.
- No cost
- Uniforms and core training are provided at no charge to families.
- Aviation
- Aviation training and opportunities within the Air Cadet flying program.
- Summer opportunities
- Courses and experiences may be available beyond the regular training year.
- Real leadership
- Cadets progressively take on responsibility, instruction and leadership.
Legacy
Built on history.
Focused on what's ahead.
Generations of cadets have passed through 23 Squadron. The names change, the standard does not.
Already part of 23?
Find weekly training information, dress instructions, forms and other cadet resources.
Enrolment
Come see
a training
night.
Curious about 23? Come see a training night for yourself. We recommend getting in touch before your visit so a member of our team can be ready to welcome you, answer your questions and show you around.