327 UNICORN is one of the more successful Sea Cadet Corps in Nova Scotia and is home to numerous medal recipients and award winners! We have won four consecutive Interdivisional Seamanship Competitions (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018), and have been named Top Small Sea Cadet Corps in Mainland Nova Scotia three times in the last four years (2015,2016, and 2017)!  
 
Did you know that portions of Sea Cadet training count as either 0.5 or 1.0 credits for high school? It's true!!!  
 
The aim of Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is to develop the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate interest in the maritime community and the naval activities of the Canadian Forces (cadets are not members of the military nor is there any expectation that they will join the military).  
 
Sea Cadets learn about the naval and maritime environment by participating in a variety of activities on and off the water. 
Sea Cadet training has two parts: The main training is done throughout the school year at local headquarters (LHQ). LHQ Training is broken into 5 Phases that the cadets progress through with experience in the program and successful completion of performance objectives.  
 
In the first three phases, cadets learn how to operate as part of a team, what it means to be a Sea Cadet, how to safely operate an air rifle, how to perform basic ropework, how to respond to basic naval forms of communications and how to sail a sailboat.  
 
In Phase 4 and Phase 5, the training shifts to become more about developing the cadets' abilities to lead so that they can assume senior positions in the corps. Teamwork challenges increase and cadet learn to construct lifting devices, hone their seamanship skills and learn advanced skills in marine navigation. Phase 4 and 5 cadets also learn instructional techniques and get their first opportunity to command a Sea Cadet Division. These senior cadets also become eligible for exciting opportunities known as "deployments".  
 
A deployment could be a week at sea off the coast in British Columbia as crew on an Orca-Class Training Vessel of the Royal Canadian Navy or a week abroad sailing a Tall Ship off the coast of England. How about a paid trip to Ottawa to be part of cadet meetings to discuss the future of the cadet program or a two-week deployment in the North Atlantic breaking ice with the Canadian Coast Guard? Get your passport ready because,as a cadet, you even have chances to go on an International Exchange to such locations as The Bahamas, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Korea, Sweden, or Australia! 
 
All Phases participate in marksmanship using the cadet air rifle, sports and physical activities, healthy living lectures and presentations, community events and parades. Some cadets choose to develop their musical abilities and participate as part of UNICORN's marching band. These cadets practice extra nights during the week and receive supplemental Military Musician Training throughout the year. All cadets are given access to members of the Canadian Forces and given an opportunity to see what the men and women whose job it is to defend Canada do for their living by watching them in action and, sometimes, working side by side!  
 
Sea Cadets all have the opportunity to achieve the Sail Level 1, obtain First Aid Certificates, and get their licenses for Restricted Radio Operator (Marine) (ROC-M) and the Pleasure Craft Operator's Card (PCOC) through Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons! 
 
Some cadets are selected to attend Cadet Summer Training Centres where they spend two to six weeks furthering their training during their summer vacation. While at camp, junior cadets receive a training allowance, giving them a little money in their pockets for their efforts. At camp, cadets can enhance their musical skills, learn to command precision drill units, fire cannons, become air rifle instructors, qualify as sailors, operate motorized vessels of the seamanship school, learn shipwright and fibreglass skills, and crew and pilot large vessels. As seniors, cadets can apply for camp positions as Staff Cadets. These are paid positions that generally last seven weeks. The cadets are paid a daily rate commiserate with their rank. 
 
Sea Cadets is open to all youth in Canada aged 12 to 18. There is no cost to join and uniforms are loaned free of charge. Camp is also provided for free and includes room and board and three meals a day plus entertainment! Trips are paid for through various organizations associated with the Cadet Program. 
 
UNICORN is always welcoming new cadets! Cadets joining who are more than 12 years of age are eligible for advance placement which would allow them to work and study with cadets of similar age and ability. There are more than 53 000 cadets across Canada. 
 
UNICORN is also welcoming adults wishing to work with Canada's best youth organization! Drop by and ask how you can be a cadet leader! 
 
Come and see for yourself!!!