Cadets meet on a weekly basis to practice and perform as part of a marching band, providing music for parades and community events. The band also competes annually in a marching band competition against Cadet bands from across the Lower Mainland. Cadets receive specialized music training at no cost. Cadets generally provide their own instruments, but arrangements could be made in extenuating circumstances.

Cadets meet on a weekly basis in the fall to learn about aviation, principles of flight, aerodynamics, physics, and airport operations. This training encourages a greater understanding and appreciation for aviation, and prepares Cadets that wish to attend the Glider and Power Pilot Training Courses, highly sought after opportunities for Cadets to obtain their Glider and Powered Pilot licenses with Transport Canada, free of charge.

Cadets meet on a weekly basis to learn and practice drill movements (the efficient and coordinated movement of personnel in a military formation and fashion). They create, practice, memorize, and perform a complex and intricate precision drill movement, participating in regional and provincial competitions against Cadet drill teams from across British Columbia.

Cadets meet on a weekly basis to learn concepts and techniques in dealing with first aid emergencies, including cuts, sprains, and other injuries. Teams hone their problem solving, communication, and fast thinking skills, and compete against other First Aid teams in the geographic area. 808 Coquitlam Squadron has the advantage with several adult staff members having extensive experience as participants and Youth Leaders with the St. John’s Ambulance Youth Program.

Cadets meet weekly on a seasonal basis to learn concepts and practical abilities to shoot air rifles, developing and honing skills such as breathing techniques to improve their precision and accuracy as marksmen. Biathlon adds a physical fitness component of cross country skiing, with targets to shoot at in between stretches, further challenging their ability to calmly aim. Cadets participate in regional, provincial and national competitions against Cadets across the country.

We offer two Effective Speaking programs. In the Toastmasters Effective Speaking Program, Cadets meet weekly on a seasonal basis to learn and practice how to articulate clearly and in an engaged manner to capture the attention and imagination of an audience. They practice giving prepared and improvised speeches on a range of topics, drawing from their personal and Cadet experiences thus far. Cadets compete in regional, provincial, and national competitions against Cadets from across Canada.

In the in-house program, Speak to be Heard, Cadets meet on a weekly basis to learn about speech delivery, theatre, debate, and interview etiquette. They strengthen basic impromptu, professional, and creative communication skills while broadening their scope of speaking environments. Cadets benefit from receiving instructors well-experienced at competing in previous effective speaking competitions, with one representative from the national level.

Cadets attend squadron training and activities, taking photos, documenting events, writing articles, and posting on social media to increase awareness of squadron activities and achievements. They help with increasing the digital footprint of the squadron, and increase internal and external communications through several mediums, including video and print.