OVERVIEW

142 Mimico Squadron will be undertaking a trip to France and Belgium to participate in citizenship, educational and recreational activities. Up to 40 Cadets will be selected to participate in this international experience. The trip will take place between 12 – 21 March 2017, inclusive. We have also extended this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to Cadets from three other Canadian Cadet Organizations Units – 246 ‘Canadian Progress” Squadron, 272 Ojibwa Sea Cadet Corps, and 2 ‘VandenBos’ Whitby Squadron.

We will be traveling by commercial airline to France. Whilst in France, we will travel by hired motor coach to our various tour locations. The accommodations in France will be at two different locations, the government youth hostel U.N.C.M.T. in Bernieres sur Mer, and at Centre des Fontaines in Eu, an ancient castle. In Belgium we will stay in the historic city of Gent at the Hostel Uppelink, another 1,000 year old former castle.

Whilst in Eurpoe, Cadets will participate in a variety of activities, with specific emphasis related to educational, cultural and citizenship experiences, visiting museums, theatres and locations of Canadian historical significance, and Canadian, Commonwealth and Allied War Cemeteries.

The overall cost of this activity is estimated to cost $2,000.00 per person. This trip is not part of the normal training programme and is described as an “Optional Activity”. As such, the Department of National Defence/Canadian Forces neither sponsors this activity nor provides support for it. The financial support for this trip comes

from the individual Cadet and Officer participant, fundraising activities, and the generousity of 32 Signal Regimental Advisory Council, and generous individuals and companies who have made financial contributions to this trip for our Cadet participants.

ESCORTS

A total of 10 adults will be participating in this tour as escorts, composed of nine (9) DND staff and one (1) 142 SSC volunteer, providing care and supervision of the Cadet members.

In accordance with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) regulations, only a Commissioned Officer of the Cadet Instructors Cadre Branch (CIC) may be appointed as the Officer In Charge (OIC) of Royal Canadian Air Cadets, and only appropriately trained CF Regular (Reg) and Reserve (Res) personnel and Civilian Instructors (CI) are authorized to supervise Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

In addition, as we will be on an international trip for an extended period of time, Cadet participation will be limited to those Cadets who have demonstrated the maturity and

ability to be away from home for extended periods of time within the Cadet programme. As a result, attendance is being limited to those Cadets who have reached the minimum age of 13 years as of 1 February 2017, and have demonstrated the maturity standard.

Further, for a Cadet to be eligible to participate in this trip, they must have, as a minimum, done the following:

1. Cadets must have no documented violations of the Cadet Code of Conduct;

1. Participated in the mandatory number of hours for the annual 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 Air Cadet Tagging Days. This is defined as full participation in each of the “mandatory” Tagging Days established;
2. Sold a minimum of two (2) Air Cadet Lottery Books in total during 2016/2017;
3. Cadets must be a minimum of 13 years of age by 1 February 2017;
4. Cadets must have successfully completed Level 1 training by 1 July 2016;
5. Cadets must attend the 2016 Annual Review;
6. Cadets must have successfully attended and completed at least one (1) summer training camp/course by 1 September 2016;
7. Cadets must have attended at least 80% of Mandatory Support Training;

1. Cadets must have participated in the 2016 spring and/or fall Squadron Field Training Exercises;

1. Cadets are capable of attending an international trip that will extend beyond the dates of the 2017 “March Break”. Trip dates 10 – 20 March 2017, inclusive (11 days in duration);
2. Cadets must have demonstrated the maturity and ability to be away from home for an extended period of time within the Cadet programme;
3. Cadets must successfully complete the trip interview and essay writing process;
4. Cadets must acquire the appropriate travel documents (passport, visa, etc), immunizations (if necessary), medical and travel insurance for travel to France; and,
5. Cadets, parents/guardians must meet the financial pre-payment schedule.

Note, that for Air Cadet Tag Day participation, only sessions where the Cadet was actually in attendance are counted. We recognize that there may be Cadets who have other commitments that require them to be excused from TAG Days, we must be fair to those Cadets who have made the extra effort to participate, many of whom have had to reschedule work and personal commitments to do so.

Cadets are expected to meet the scheduled payment dates as outlined in the Financial Commitment Schedule. Payment can be made in cash, or by cheque or money orders

made payable to “142 Royal Canadian Air Cadets”. Please note “2017 March Break Tour” in the memo section of your cheque.

ACTIVITIES AND ITINERARY

Attached you will find a general itinerary for the 2017 March Break Tour. Although the travel arrangements, dates and times are yet to be confirmed, the following itinerary is

an overview of the activities planned. Specifics of the tours may be subject to change due to operational commitments of host organizations involved and outdoor activities are subject to environmental conditions.

Please note that Cadets will be supervised by Officers and CI staff at all times except during “free time” periods as stated in the itinerary. These “free time” periods will permit Cadets time to take walks, shop or participate in other periods of relaxation not directly related to the trip activities. Although not under direct supervision during “free time” periods, Cadets will be required to remain together in small groups within an approved area (barracks, mall, etc). Officers and CI staff will be present and “on duty” within the vicinity, and the Cadets will be provided with appropriate contact information.

DRESS CODE

Cadets will travel in designated “Squadron Wear” attire, consisting of a Squadron golf shirt and appropriate pants and footwear. Some of the tours and activities will require Cadets to be in their issued Air Cadet uniform, and the Cadets’ full kit, including outer coat, must be brought with them. Please be aware that the mixing of civilian clothing and Air Cadet uniform articles is not acceptable, and the Cadet all-season coat, not a civilian overcoat, shall be worn by the Cadet whilst in uniform.

Cadets should bring appropriate civilian attire for some recreational, social and evening activities. This should include sport and swim wear.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS

The accommodations will be at a French government youth hostel facility and a private commercial hostel facility in France, which has been used in previous Cadet tours, and at a private commercial hostel in Belgium.

All breakfasts will be at the Mess Hall facilities, bagged lunches for daily travel, and dinners will be taken at restaurants in the local community we will be located in on a daily basis. A meal allowance will be provided for these occasions for the Cadet to purchase their own food as required.

PERSONAL KIT ITEMS

As meals and accommodations are being provided by the Squadron, Cadets are not required to being money with them on this trip. However, it is suggested that Cadets bring a reasonable amount of “spending money” with them in order to purchase items of

personal hygiene needs, souvenirs or snacks. Please note that there may be difficulty in accessing “Interac” by debit card at some locations, so some cash must be carried by each individual. That said, it is strongly urged that Cadets carry the majority of their

“spending money” in the form of debit cards or travelers cheques. Travelers cheques (Thomas Cook or American Express, etc) may be difficult to cash in most locations.

Neither the Officers nor CI staff will take custody or responsibility for monies carried by Cadets.

Expensive or items of significant personal value should not be brought on this trip. Although locker facilities may be available at some locations, neither the Officers nor CI staff will take custody or responsibility for items lost or damaged carried by Cadets.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

In accordance with Canadian Cadet Movement policies, Cadets are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages or the usage of illegal drugs or substances. Cadets found in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline up to and including the following:

• The Cadet may be sent home, and if so, it is at the expense of the parent or guardian;
• The Cadet may be prohibited from participating in future trip and/or overnight activities; and,
• The Cadet may loose Cadet training and/or membership privileges.

Cadets are also bound to comply with all other terms and conditions as specified by the Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATO’s) and the Squadron Standing Orders.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION, MEDICAL AND INSURANCE COVERAGE

Group travel and medical insurance is being purchased for the participants. It is encouraged that Cadets participating in this trip have the additional travel documentation, medical and insurance coverage if it felt necessary by the parent/guardian to participate in an international trip to France.

Cadets who are Canadian citizens will require a valid Canadian Passport to enter France, with a minimum of six (6) months of valid travel beyond the return date of 21 March 2017. As such, the passport cannot expire prior to 22 September 2017. Cadets who are landed immigrants or not Canadian citizens will require appropriate travel documents for their country of birth and citizenship. Cadets are responsible for making the necessary arrangements to obtain their own Canadian Passport, Visa, or other travel documentation. If in doubt about necessary travel documentation, Cadets or their parents/guardians should contact the French Consulates for information.

Additionally, Cadets shall be required to have the following documentation in their possession before leaving Toronto:

• Provincial OHIP Card – Cadets are required to have their personal OHIP Card in their possession when they participate in Cadet activities. A copy of the OHIP Card or number recorded on paper is not sufficient evidence of medical coverage and will be refused by medical facilities.

• Personal Identification – Personal photo identification must be carried by the Cadet during the trip. Suitable forms of personal photo identification include a Driver’s License, OHIP Card, school or workplace ID.

142 Mimico Squadron will be providing each participating Cadet with a Cadet Identification Card, consisting of the Cadet’s photograph, OHIP and emergency information for wear during the tour. However, Cadets will also be required to have other forms of personal or government identification.

Cadets will also be issued an emergency contact card, which will include emergency contact information for the OPI and instructions for Police should they become separated from the main party for whatever reason.

KIT INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION

Prior to departure from Toronto, a full inspection of each Cadet’s personal kit shall occur prior to departure for the airport terminal building. The kit inspection is conducted to ensure safety and hygiene requirements have been met by each Cadet. Cadets and/or parents/guardians are advised that they shall submit to a kit inspection as a condition of

travel as part of the Squadron group. Cadets and/or parents/guardians who do not wish to submit to a kit inspection can choose not to participate in the Squadron trip.

MEDICATIONS

The Squadron will be traveling with a small quantity of over the counter (OTC) medications (Tylenol, Advil, Gravol and Robitussin) that may be administered if necessary to those Cadets who have parental consent (completed Medical Consent Form on file with OPI) by their parent/guardian prior to travel departure. These over the counter medications will only be administered by the Commanding Officer or his designate. Dosage instructions will be followed as directed by the label instructions. Parents/guardians are to initial the Medication Consent Form if they agree or disagree to have certain medications administered to their child/ward during the course of the trip.

Prescription medications must be carried by the Cadet in the bottle/package issued by the pharmacy with the pharmacy label intact. The prescription dosage must be clearly legible for inspection upon demand. The Cadet must bring sufficient medication to last

the duration of the trip. (A small percentage of extra medication is recommended in the event of spillage.)

Cadets who require “rescue medication” such as Ventolin or Epi-Pen must bring an extra dosage, a minimum of two (2) complete doses, of the prescription on this trip, which will be secured by the OPI or his designate. For these kinds of medication, or any other medication required by a participant, it is recommended that a written prescription be carried by the participant in the event that it needs to be filled.

Please be aware that it is difficult to acquire medications in another country for non-residents, even with a prescription from a medical doctor. In the event of an emergency, medical aide will be provided by the local Ambulance Service and local hospital emergency department (A&E).

The Squadron will be arranging standard medical travel insurance for each Cadet participating in the trip. This mandatory coverage will be negotiated by the Squadron for a group rate, with each Cadet being financially responsible for their portion of the group rate. This group rate insurance will provide a similar level of coverage afforded by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) within Ontario. OHIP Cards will be required to be carried by all Cadets during the trip.

For Cadets suffering from medical conditions or allergies that may be life threatening, it is highly recommended that a Medic Alert bracelet be worn at all times. Please consult your family physician or pharmacist for further information regarding the appropriate use of a Medic Alert bracelet for medical or allergic conditions. Complex or multiple medical or allergic conditions may require that a detailed written explanation by his/her physician be kept on the Cadet’s person whilst traveling, in the event of an emergency.

NOTE:           Due to the nature of the medical or allergic condition, the Cadet may not be permitted to travel on this international trip. The welfare of the Cadet in question, and those of the entire group, must be considered in these situations.