Colt Taylor credits the Haliburton Army Cadets program with moulding him into the man he is today.
Local troop 1129, for youth aged 12 to 18, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025. Taylor, a volunteer instructor with the corps, has been involved for 16 years – seven as a cadet and nine as a mentor and coach to the County’s next generation of recruits.
“Cadets promote citizenship and help kids develop values and traits such as responsibility, leadership, courage, discipline, and accountability,” Taylor told The Highlander.
The group, which boasts about 30 active members, meets Tuesday evenings at the Haliburton Legion for training nights. Taylor said cadets also participate in specialty assignments some weekends.
There’s no cost for youth to attend, with the program funded by the federal government and receiving further support from the County’s legion branches, the Haliburton Highlands Resource Centre, and the Minden Lions and Lioness’ club.
Taylor said sessions are split into three periods, featuring some form of physical training and instruction. Youth are challenged to develop their fitness, critical thinking, and outdoors-based abilities. He said they’ll have the chance to experience rock climbing and mountain biking, learn first aid, and camp out under the stars while learning how to use a map and compass, GPS technology, and basic survival skills.
As cadets gain more experience, they may be selected for parachuting and national expedition programs. There will also be chances to learn how to handle firearms through regular marksmanship classes.
That’s Taylor’s forte. For years, he’s coached the cadet’s marksmanship team. Respect and discipline are the aim of the game, he said, working with selected youth sporadically throughout the year, but weekly in the lead up to competitions.
Taylor said the troop utilizes a Daisy 853C air rifle, with cadets taking turns shooting 20 targets roughly three centimetres in size from distances of 10 metres and beyond. Shots can be taken in prone and standing positions.
The Haliburton team performed well at a competition in Belleville Feb. 23, placing third out of 10 teams in the Central Ontario zone competition. Taylor said five cadets represented the County at the event.
“The team woke up as early as 3:30 a.m. to meet the bus at the Haliburton Legion for pick-up at 5… they were at a disadvantage as other teams got a lot more sleep, and some other cadet corps have additional gear such as competition marksmanship jackets, but they exceeded expectations.
“The cadets were very happy with their results and are already excited to start practicing for a first-place finish next year,” Taylor said. “They should be very proud of their accomplishment and for representing Haliburton.”
Taylor said cadets also get involved in the community, attending ceremonial military events and volunteering time to worthwhile causes. Last summer, the group assisted with the rehabilitation of ‘The Haliburton’ M4 Easy Eight Sherman tank.
“I love the program – it’s taught me a lot over the years,” Taylor said. “It turns people into leaders… the Haliburton cadet corps is always looking for new recruits.”
Meetings are Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Haliburton Legion. For more information, contact haliburtonarmycadets@gmail.com, or call 705-457-8002.
