A hands-on local program is helping Orillia youth navigate choppy waters en route to becoming more confident leaders.
“When our son aged out of the program, he had gained confidence, he was better with his peers, he was better with his friends, his parents, and his brothers at home,” stated Rob McCullough.
McCollough’s son was a member of the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) Orillia No. 199. The program is for youth from 9 to 12 years of age. The group meets Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. at ODAS Park from September until June.
“They learn about self-discipline and deportment, leadership skills, things like that, through a naval base tradition," said Andrea Marsden, one of three leaders who run the local program.
"We use naval terminology to describe the space like port, starboard, the head. They learn semaphore. They learn all about like ranks and things like that. The kids really seem to enjoy the program,” said Marsden.
In the summer, said Marsden, the group meets at the Champlain Sailing Club, where they learn how to sail.
“We also teach them archery, work with them with air rifles, and we have a sports night once a month as well,” added Marsden.
The program is free for the youth to participate in. Once they have aged out of the program, youth can join Air Cadets right here in Orillia, for ages 12 to 19. Or, if they want to continue with a more naval focus, Sea Cadets, which meet in Barrie.
NLCC Orillia No. 199 members just finished their tagging weekend, reaching out to the community to raise funds for the group.
“We raised $2,000, which is a lot for our current 12 members to have done,” said Marsden. “We are hoping to bring back our May long weekend camping trip, maybe buy a sailboat, and we are planning more fun activities for the kids.”
Hunter Tripp, 11, enjoys the program.
“I’ve been here for two years. I like the activities, and I like meeting the kids here. Some of them go to my school, too,” he said. “I really liked the sailing. I got my sailing badge this summer, I need to get my mom to help me sew it on. Tonight, I get to be the flag bearer.”
Rob McCollough and his family think so much of the program, a second McCollough son is now involved.
“They both rose to the rank of Coxswain. He is eager to learn, and eager to teach others what he has learned. The program really helps them in their ability to reach out, to teach, and to be leaders.”
Tripp has plans to continue in the Army Cadets after he ages out.
“My brother was in Naval Cadets, and then he went to Army Cadets, that’s what I’m going to do. And after that, I want to join the Army,” he explained.
For more information about this free program, or to enrol your youth, go to the website at https://www.navyleagueorillia.com/.
“We are happy to answer any questions, or youth can come on a Monday night and see what we are all about,” said Marsden. “We are a welcoming group.”
