Instead of springtime in Nanaimo, Caleb McIntyre is off to Canada’s north for a little wilderness exploration.
A cadet master warrant officer with 2422 Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, McIntyre, 17, is participating in an expedition to northern Manitoba for two weeks this month as part of the National Army Cadet Domestic Expedition.
Activities consist of river and whitewater canoeing or kayaking and multi-day hiking over the Arctic and near Hudson’s Bay.
One of two army cadets selected from B.C., and one of only 12 participants from across Canada, McIntyre has completed several summer training and week-long courses including six weeks of adventure training in the Rocky Mountains near Banff.
The expeditions are the culmination of the army cadet outdoor training program consisting of physically and mentally demanding expeditions within Canada and internationally.
In order to be eligible, army cadets must complete four to five years of training in outdoor living, leadership, physical fitness and survival.
The program is progressive in nature, beginning with day-long and weekend trips and ranging to multi-week international treks.