Surrey’s Catherine Chernoff recently spent two weeks near Churchill, Manitoba in a challenging expedition that included trekking, portaging and canoe paddling over a distance of 120 kilometers.
Along with fifteen other Royal Canadian Army cadets and three Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officers from across Canada, the 17-year-old cadet participated in the National Army Domestic Expedition from June 4-18.
Chernoff first backpacked along the western coast of Hudson Bay for four days.
Then, the expedition left Churchill for the Manigotagan River system, where the group paddled, portaged and camped along the river system.
Chernoff, a four-year member of the 2812 Seaforth Highlanders, said she enjoys the cadet program as it challenges and helps develop her physical abilities while having fun in the process.
The goal of the expedition was to explore “the land of little sticks,” with its glacier-sculpted boulders, tundra, and miniature shrubs that poke through the permafrost.
It also allowed for personal exploration of the remains of Pre-Dorset civilizations, fur-traders and settlers.
The Army Cadet Expedition is the premier Army Cadet activity that challenges participants to new levels, and is the culmination of at least four years of training, requiring a superior level of fitness and maturity.
This domestic expedition provides cadets with the opportunity to put into practice self-reliance, leadership and the spirit of adventure.
The Cadet Program is a national program for youth aged 12 to 18. It is sponsored by the Department of National Defence in partnership with three civilian organizations, The Navy League, The Army Cadet League and The Air Cadet League.