This summer from July 31 to August 12, the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) Junior Canadian Ranger (JCR) Enhanced Training Session (ETS) was conducted at the Vernon Army Cadet Summer Training Centre in the Okanagan Valley of BC. Two hundred and eighty Junior Canadian Rangers (JCRs) aged 12 - 18, Canadian Rangers (CRs), Adult Committee members, Primary Reserve, and Regular Force staff will take part in the training.
This year the youth will be participating in the Basic, Advanced, and National Leadership ETS. This is the first year ever that the national program is being conducted and 4 CRPG is honoured to be the host. These camps are designed to challenge the youth, expose them to a region different from their own communities, expand their experience base, teach new skills, and to enhance the community training program. This is done through an action-packed program full of fun and safe activities.
At 17 year old, Sheridan Northeast of Bella Coola has been in the Junior Canadian Rangers for two years. This summer Sheridan had the opportunity to attend her second JCR ETS in Vernon, BC. This year she participated in the Advanced Camp where she enjoyed various activities including; ATV training, rock climbing, white water rafting and paintball. Sheridan most looked forward to the new challenges Advanced Camp would pose and being a role model to younger JCRs.
She also likes exploring her home of Bella Coola and its surrounding areas whether it be hiking, swimming or hanging out with friends and family. Sheridan enjoys her community patrol activities which occur weekly at the school. The activities often include hiking at the sandpits, games night and Daisy Air Rifle. She suggests the Junior Canadian Ranger program to anyone in Bella Coola who are between 12-18 years of age as she likes hanging out with her JCR friends, getting out of the house and being physically active.