Cadets Launch Spruce Woods Expedition from 17 Wing Winnipeg

Building Skills and Friendships Across the Northwest Region

WINNIPEG, Man. – Nineteen senior cadets gathered at 17 Wing Winnipeg to embark on the Spruce Woods Trek, a 10-day regional expedition held October 8–16 in Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

The Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest), a lodger unit at 17 Wing Winnipeg, brought together cadets and staff from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the territories to develop outdoor leadership, trekking, navigation, and campsite routine skills. The highlight of the expedition was a challenging five-day backcountry hike through Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

Regional Expedition Photo Credit: Captain Bradley Flynn, Expedition Leader, 553 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps

For Sergeant Chelsea Bonnefoy, of 2685 Yukon Regiment, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Whitehorse, Yukon, the most memorable part of the expedition was forming strong connections with new people. “I developed bonds with a group of people I had never met before. As soon as I got here, everyone was talking to me. The friendships made the whole experience way better.”

Sergeant Bonnefoy also gained new technical skills during the expedition. “This was the first time I learned how to use a GPS, a compass, and read a map. I’ll be bringing those skills back to my local corps with me.”

Cadet Sergeant Chelsea Bonnefoy provides a briefing to their expedition team ahead of the next leg of the hike during the backcountry phase of the Spruce Woods Trek Army Cadet Regional Expedition Photo Credit: Captain Athena Cutts, Expedition Team Leader, 1856 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps

“I never thought that I would have been able to complete a 60 km hike, and I just finished it. It’s a sense of accomplishment that I really haven’t felt before,” reflected Cadet Warrant Officer Andrew Weatherald of 2502 1 RCHA, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Shilo, Manitoba.

Cadet Warrant Officer Kaiden Dumais of 2834 64th Battery, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Yorkton, Saskatchewan said, “What I like most about expedition is the physical and mental challenge. It included navigation and GPS skills. I also learned new things along the way, like identifying edible plants and berries. I feel like if you put me in the bush, I would survive longer than if I hadn’t joined Army Cadets.”

The Regional Expedition allowed cadets to put their expedition skills to the test while also developing key soft skills such as resilience, teamwork, and effective communication — all essential qualities for future leaders.

Cadet Warrant Officer Andrew Weatherald proudly displays the regional expedition pin at the conclusion of the Spruce Woods Trek Army Cadet Regional Expedition on October 16, 2025. Photo Credit: Captain Frances Ogilvie, Public Affairs Officer, Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest)

For local youth considering joining the Cadet Program, Warrant Officer Dumais offered this advice: “All the little experiences you have on your weekly training nights add up. Those things are so important.”

Whereas Warrant Officer Weatherald’s advise is, “Go for it. I think you will really enjoy it.”

Sea Cadets learn seamanship skills such as navigation and sailing; Army Cadets take part in expeditions, trekking, orienteering, and abseiling; and Air Cadets focus on aviation activities including flying, gliding, and aerospace studies.

The Cadet Program is open to youth aged 12 to 18 and is designed to develop confident, self-sufficient leaders who are active in their communities. It promotes physical fitness, healthy living, and an interest in Canadian Armed Forces activities. For more information, visit: www.canada.ca/joincadets.