October marks a special time for cadet corps across Ontario—Ontario Cadets Week, officially proclaimed under the Ontario Cadets Week Act, 2022, S.O. 2022, c. 5. Ontario+1 It’s a week meant to highlight the skills, achievements, and values of cadets, and a great opportunity for community outreach. Here’s how your corps can make the most of it.

What is Ontario Cadets Week?

The Ontario Cadets Week Act establishes that:

  • The first Saturday in October each year begins Cadets Week. Ontario+1

  • During this week, cadet programs are formally recognized across the province for their work in leadership, fitness, citizenship, and teamwork. Ontario+1

It is an official moment for your community to see what cadets are about—and for your cadets to showcase their growth.

Goals for Your Cadet Corps During Cadets Week

Use the week to:

  1. Showcase Achievements
    Share stories of cadets who’ve demonstrated leadership, improved through training, achieved new ranks, or contributed significantly to their community.

  2. Demonstrate Skills
    Organize demonstrations or open houses: drill, parade, ceremonies, workshops. Let the public see cadet training in action.

  3. Raise Awareness & Recruit
    Promote cadet membership. Invite prospective cadets, parents, and volunteers to see what the program offers.

  4. Community Service & Engagement
    Run or participate in community initiatives—cleanup drives, supporting local charities, flag raisings. Show that cadets aren’t just training—they contribute.

  5. Build Partnerships
    Reach out to local businesses, media, schools, service clubs. Invite them to events, request sponsorships or in-kind donations, or simply ask them to spread the word.

Practical Ideas

Here are some concrete ways to turn those goals into actions:

Idea Details
Open House / Parade Invite the public to attend your parade or ceremonial review. Display cadet uniforms, equipment, and talk about cadet life.
Demonstrations Drill and ceremony, marksmanship, first aid, leadership workshops. Let cadets lead these so observers see youth in action.
Social Media Campaign Post cadet stories, “day-in-the-life” photos/videos, spotlight individual cadets. Use hashtags like #OntarioCadetsWeek.
Community Service Project Partner with a local non-profit for a volunteer project during the week. Helps cadets, helps the community, builds visibility.
Local Media Outreach Send press releases to local newspapers, radio, and TV inviting them to cover your events. Offer interviews with cadets and leaders.
School & Youth Engagement Visit schools to give presentations, invite students to come to an open house. Show them what cadets do.

Tying Legal Recognition Into Your Messaging

Because Ontario Cadets Week is enshrined in law, you have a strong basis for outreach and promotion:

  • Use the statute in your materials: “Ontario-cadets week is established under the Ontario Cadets Week Act (2022)” adds legitimacy.

  • Proclamations: Approach your municipal council to have them officially proclaim their support for Cadets Week in your community. This often leads to flags being flown or announcements, increasing visibility. Facebook+2ontario.armycadetleague.ca+2

  • Don’t assume people know: The legal recognition gives you a chance to educate about cadets’ role, what Ontario recognizes officially, and why cadets are beneficial.

Examples from Across Ontario

  • The Peel Regional Police Headquarters hosted a ceremonial review to launch Cadets Week in 2024. Community leaders, cadets, staff—all came together to celebrate cadet achievements. ontario.armycadetleague.ca

  • In Northumberland, cadets raised a tri-service flag as part of their Cadets Week activities to visually demonstrate unity and service. todaysnorthumberland.ca

  • Several municipalities—including Edwardsburgh/Cardinal—have officially proclaimed the week in their jurisdiction, increasing local awareness. Facebook

Tips for Success

  • Plan early: Because Cadets Week is a fixed date (first Saturday in October), schedule your events well in advance.

  • Involve cadets fully: Let them lead as much as possible—this builds leadership, ownership, and makes for more authentic storytelling.

  • Document everything: Photos, videos, participant numbers, media coverage. These help for publicity, future funding, and demonstrating performance.

  • Leverage partnerships: Local government, schools, businesses—they can help with resources, venues, publicity.

  • Follow up: After the week, send thank-you notes, post summaries, evaluate what worked. Use learnings to improve next year.

Sample Messaging You Can Use

“We are proud to join communities across Ontario celebrating Ontario Cadets Week (October 5-12) in recognition of the contributions young peoples make through the cadet programs—leadership, citizenship, fitness, and service. Under the Ontario Cadets Week Act, 2022, this week offers an opportunity to showcase what cadets do for our community, and invite more youth to get involved.”

Conclusion

Ontario Cadets Week is more than just celebrating—it’s a platform. A chance to showcase cadet achievements, serve your community in visible ways, and inspire new cadets, leaders, and supporters. When your corps engages with purpose, plan carefully, and tell your story well, the impact can be lasting.