06/08/2026
This past weekend, ten of our senior cadets took part in our Senior Development Backcountry Expedition in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park.
Selected based on merit, these cadets embarked on a challenging weekend that saw them put in at Wolf Lake before canoeing and portaging into Crab Lake, carrying everything needed to live and operate comfortably in the backcountry.
While the weather did not always cooperate, the group embraced every challenge with a positive attitude and a strong sense of teamwork. Throughout the weekend, cadets worked together to paddle, portage, establish camp, prepare meals, manage equipment, and adapt to changing conditions. The experience provided countless opportunities to develop leadership skills, build resilience, and strengthen friendships.
The weekend wasn’t all rain and hard work. Cadets participated in canoe rescue drills and paddling techniques, enjoyed a refreshing swim, and spent time fishing and exploring the beautiful surroundings of Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. A particular highlight was WO1 Slade’s impressive bass catch, which quickly established her as the undisputed fishing champion of the weekend and left everyone else trying to keep up.
Wildlife encounters also added to the adventure. The group was visited by “Benjamin” the raccoon, who quickly became a topic of conversation around camp, and a rather large garter snake that made an appearance and reminded everyone that we were truly guests in nature.
One of the highlights of the expedition was the hike to Blueberry Mountain. At the summit, cadets were given time to sit quietly, reflect on the training year that has just concluded, and journal their goals for the year ahead. The experience allowed cadets to recognize their accomplishments, consider future opportunities, and think about the impact they want to have on the squadron moving forward.
Throughout the weekend, cadets also participated in discussions focused on what the squadron should Start, Stop, and Continue doing in the coming training year. Their honest feedback, ideas, and perspectives will help shape future training opportunities and ensure that 598 Sabre Squadron continues to provide meaningful, challenging, and engaging experiences for all cadets.
For the staff, one of the most rewarding aspects of the weekend was the opportunity to spend extended time with our senior cadets outside the structure of a typical training night. The backcountry environment created opportunities for meaningful conversations, laughter, mentorship, and shared experiences that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom setting. Both Capt. Slade and OCdt. Dalli thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our senior cadets on a more personal level and seeing another side of them beyond their uniforms and appointments.
A special thank you goes to kawartha_adventure_rentals for helping make this expedition possible. Their exceptional customer service, professionalism, and delivery of our canoes directly to the launch site played a significant role in the success of the weekend. We greatly appreciate their support and look forward to working with them again in the future.
The weather may not have cooperated, but the attitudes certainly did. The weekend was filled with challenge, laughter, personal growth, teamwork, and memories that will stay with us for years to come. We are incredibly proud of the ten senior cadets who took part and look forward to building on their ideas and experiences as we prepare for another exciting training year at 598 Sabre Squadron.
More pictures will be added to our Facebook group and on Teams.
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