Summer Courses

Please join us in September 2019 to become one of Canada’s finest Army Cadets as a member of 709 Toronto Signals! By joining, you become eligible for one of the many exciting summer camp experiences. In addition to a summer of new adventures and fun, did you know that you get paid when you attend a summer camp?

Summer Camp Application 2024 

 JOINING INSTRUCTIONS

Joining instructions provide cadets and parents with the necessary information for course participation. They must be read in full, together with the specific annexes appropriate to the Cadet Training Centre (CTC) the cadet will be attending. Joining instructions will be posted here once they are available.

Transportation details will be provided prior to commencement of the course, but specific timings for departures and returns have not yet been announced. Below are samples of the 2019 documents and information. Once the 2020 documents are available they will be posted.

Please read the Common Joining Instructions document, the Measles Immunization Communique, and the Joining Instructions for the specific training centre that you are attending.

*Joining Instructions for Summer Training 2023:*

JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 15

Application forms for 2020 summer courses will be distributed at our Summer Training Information Night on January 29, 2020. Cadets considering attending a Cadet Summer Training Centre (CTSC) will be required to attend the Summer Training Information Night, then complete and return the necessary documents to the Training Officer by February 12, 2020.

PLEASE NOTE: If you submit an application after the deadline, the application is processed after those on time, which reduces your opportunity to attend a CSTC. Below are samples of the 2019 documents and information. Once the 2020 documents are available they will be posted.

Summer training courses range in length from 2 to 7 weeks. Individual courses focus on drill and ceremonial, fitness and sports, marksmanship, music, and expedition training. Courses for 709 cadets are primarily held at two Cadet Training Centres (CTCs): Blackdown CTC (at CFB Borden, near Barrie), and Connaught CTC (at Connaught Ranges, near Ottawa). Applications for summer courses are distributed and due in January. Selections start to be announced in April, on a rolling basis. Most cadets who apply are selected for summer courses, but due to limited availability, not all cadets may be selected. Cadets are selected on the basis of attendance, cadet level, previous courses, and training performance.

Summer Training Opportunities

All courses and prerequisites are outlined in the “Summer Course List 2019” document above. To be eligible for a summer 2019 course, new cadets must join the cadet program by January 30, 2019. As a general guide, cadets normally progress as follows:

  • General Training Course (2 weeks): 1st-year cadets who are aged 12 to 13 during the summer
  • Basic Drill & Ceremonial Course (3 weeks): 1st-year cadets who are aged 14 to 15 during the summer
  • Basic Courses (3 weeks): 2nd and 3rd-year cadets
  • Instructor Courses (6 weeks): 3rd and 4th-year cadets
  • Advanced Courses, Staff Cadets, and Exchanges (3 to 7 weeks): 4th-year cadets and up

Last Minute Cancellations & Fail To Show For Departure Applicants

Cadets who do not provide sufficient notice in cancelling their participation in a CSTC course, or fail to show on the scheduled day of departure, will be placed at the bottom of the priority list for the next year’s CSTC training applications.