*Please note that the History of the Navy League Cadet Corps Ark Royal (#28) is an on-going project*
N.L.C.C. Ark Royal was established in 1958 with many children and volunteers passing through in that time. Our gratitude goes out to the dedication of those who volunteered before us because without their enthusiasm and commitment N.L.C.C. Ark Royal would not be here today.
The original Ark Royal Corps was a Sea Cadet Corps named Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Ark Royal and formed in 1944. With so many parents and children wanting to join that were under age a Navy League Cadet Corps was initiated. In 1958, the Sea Cadet Corps was offered the building they are presently in - HMCS York. At that time, RCSCC Ark Royal joined with other Corps to become one, now known as RCSCC Vanguard. Navy League Cadets stayed at Earl Haig P.S. and applied to keep the name Ark Royal. The approval date would be around 1959 by verbal accounts but not, as yet, backed by paper.
My many thanks to Gord Ellis who is a veteran cadet, officer and Navy League member - retired - who was able to tell me the history in some detail. This is allowing us to pinpoint the true date of NLCC Ark Royals warrant date, but is an on-going process.
The Here and Now........
The Navy League Program remains the same with small changes to suit our times. The program is for youth 9-13. The Navy League Program is committed to developing Canada's youth through moral guidance and encouragement, as well as mental and physical training designed to develop patriotism, good citizenship, a sense of duty, self-discipline, self-respect and respect for others, in a modern nautical environment built on sound naval traditions. This Programme has nothing to do with recruiting for the Canadian Forces (nor does the Sea Cadet program).
The Navy League Program draws many diverse volunteers. Each Volunteer must have a CPIC/Vulnerability Check and reference check when they apply. Many previous cadets return to a cadet corps to volunteer and pass on the knowledge and leadership that they themselves attained during their cadet years. Volunteers can opt to join the Ship's Company or a Corps Branch.
NLCC Ship's Company.......
The Ship's Company is composed of all Cadets on board and the Officers compliment. The Officers of any Navy League Corps (all volunteers themselves) receive training, uniforms and assistance by their sponsoring Branch. All Officers must go through a screening process and are subject to Navy League By-laws, rules and regulations. Volunteers have probation periods and periodic reviews to ensure that the quality of morale, training and commitment are being up-held.
The Commanding Officer and his/her staff take care of the ship and the cadets training and well-being. Planning of events, trips, the Parade year, etc.
Toronto East Branch........
Is the sponsoring body, under Navy League Ontario Division, of NLCC Ark Royal. All Branch members are volunteers. It is the Branch duty to ensure that the Navy League Corps has a place to Parade, equipment, transportation and uniforms. Branch members time is spent fundraising to cover these expenditures and any others that the Commanding Officer might bring forward for approval (ie: trips, outtings, dinners, etc.)
Branch also spends time recruiting and building the Ships compliment, be it Officer volunteers and/or cadets, through many different channels.
The main fundraising, done twice a year, is tagging. So, please, when you see a cadet with their tag boxes feel free to donate.
EXTRA..EXTRA.......
Supporters are an important part of our work to make a well run Corps and the Branch President and Commanding Officer have put numerous hours into re-entering our immediate Community. There are honourable mentions we would like to thank here....
Royal Canadian Legion 1/42 - Baron Byng Branch
Beaches Lions Club
Thank you all for your continued support!