Happy Birthday, Jakob! 
Thanks Daph, I now have somewhat of a sense of what you went through letting Alon go away on his own. Though admittedly our situation is different than yours was-- this is a short stint and I know he's coming home in about a week. But there's something oddly bittersweet about watching my son grow up. I'm proud of him and happy to see him turning into such a lovely young man, but at the same time, my heart aches just a little bit for my little baby boy.
Some more info on the General Training Course at HMCS Quadra:
The mission of the Cadet Program is to contribute to the development and preparation of youth for the transition to adulthood, enabling them to meet the challenges of modern society, through a dynamic community-based program.
A relevant, credible and proactive youth development organization, offering the program of choice for Canada’s youth, preparing them to become the leaders of tomorrow through a set of fun, challenging, well-organized and safe activities.
While the summer months might be quiet at the "ship", they are certainly busy for many of the Sea Cadets of RCSCC Quinte. Each summer, many cadets attend training camps that range from 2 to 6 weeks in length at one of the Summer Training Centres within Canada. Even Personnel and Senior Cadets are away from the Ship as they participate in these training camps as instructors and Staff Cadets. Training centres for RCSCC Quinte include: HMCS ACADIA - Clementsport, Nova Scotia, HMCS ONTARIO - Kingston, Ontario and HMCS QUADRA - Comox, British Columbia
It is during this time, that our cadets enter into one of the four cadet program trade groups: Sailing, Music, Boatswain or Gunnery. Along with the skills required for their trade, they develop leadership qualities and have the opportunity to develop or rekindle friendships with other sea cadets from across Canada.
Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre
Comox BCACCOMMODATIONS/SERVICES11. Trainees are housed in barrack style accommodations with 40 cadets in each building wing.
All bedding is provided. Rounds are carried out on a daily basis with Captain’s Rounds being
conducted twice throughout the summer to ensure the cadets are keeping their living quarters neat
and tidy. Cleanliness of living spaces is a very important aspect of QUADRA life.
MEALS
12. Meals are prepared by qualified staff and served cafeteria style. Cadets are provided three
meals a day plus an evening snack (kye). All meals are supervised. The menu is pre-planned to
provide a well balanced diet and menu items vary, allowing cadets a choice of dishes.
13. Please be aware that CF Food Services do not offer allergen-free foods or food
preparation conditions. CF Food Services do not have the resources and cannot cater to
individual diner’s food restrictions by ensuring avoidance of certain ingredients in food
preparation. It remains the individual’s responsibility to successfully monitor their food intake to
avoid an allergen.
DAILY ROUTINE33. The daily routine and training schedules will relate to the Cadet Program Update and will
be published at QUADRA.
34. Sunday routine is wakey-wakey at 1000 hours with brunch scheduled for 1030-1300 hours.
Normal daily routine commences at 1300 hours.
FITNESS35. HMCS QUADRA is a physically active training establishment. Cadets are strongly
encouraged to engage in some conditioning prior to arrival. This should reduce some of the time lost
due to aches and sprains encountered when unused muscles are vigorously exercised during the first
days aboard QUADRA. A high level of physical activity commences when cadets arrive onboard.
