The Canadian Department of National Defense Regional, the Navy League and the Cadet Support Unit is looking to call Okotoks home for a new Sea Cadet Unit.

Navy Lieutenant T.C. Thompson, BAA says the reason they want to bring a navy Cadets program to Okotoks is because it's a growing community with a large number of youth between the ages of 12-18.

The town has a lot of great options available to youth but Lieutenant Thompson says it's believed by adding a Sea Cadet program it can ensure all citizens of Okotoks will be able to participate in a safe, challenging and diverse program.

"There is no registration fee and no costs to it, the uniforms and facilities are already paid for so it's an affordable program because it's free," says Lieutenant Thompson.

The Unit is now looking for a place in Okotoks to call home.

They currently will be spending their Tuesday night sessions in High River until they find somewhere in town that will suite their needs.

"We'll be at the Masonic Hall in High River, but our hope is to make it so the Town of Okotoks can access us and not just the outskirts."

The facility the program requires to run needs to have a gym floor along with class room space.

"The program will have the youth participate in marksmanship, biathlon, drill, sailing, power boating, tall ship deployments, international exchanges and so much more," says Lieutenant Thompson.

The Cadets will break the youth up into their age groups and than in their age groups they will be taught different lessons.

Lieutenant Thompson says the closest Sea Cadet program is in North Calgary or Lethbridge.

For more information you can go to the Facebook site, or their website.

You can also contact Navy Lieutenant T.C. Thompson, BAA by phone at 403-561-8440 or by email at timothy.thompson@forces.gc.ca

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