Cadet Program
What is cadetting?
Cadets is a carefully planned program to help the men of your church reach and disciple boys for Christ
- Brings Christian men to boys—Working with boys in small groups, a man can have a real impact on their lives. He seeks to minister to the unique needs of each boy and provide him with a model of Christian manhood.
- Brings the Bible to boys—Through Bible study and discussion, boys discover who God is and how He works in their lives and in the world. They are challenged to claim God’s promises and commit their lives to His service.
- Brings meaningful growth experiences to boys—The advancement program and other activities help boys grow more Christ-like in all areas of life: mental, physical, emotional, social, and devotional. Christian values are stressed. Boys are encouraged to explore and develop their God-given talents and interests. Cadetting emphasizes the “whole” boy.
- Brings the church to boys—The Cadet club is a laboratory setting for the local church. Sensitivity toward others and a desire for Christian interaction are strengthened. Leadership and discipleship skills are developed with an eye toward future service in the home, church, and community.
- Brings boys to boys—Community outreach is natural as boys share their Cadet experiences with other boys.
Who Cadets Are
The Calvinist Cadet Corps is an independent youth ministry organization whose purpose is to provide the local church with a ministry program that will enable them to effectively share Christ’s love with boys from their church and community. Founded in 1952, the Corps has more that 650 clubs throughout North America. Those clubs are in Reformed, Christian Reformed, United Reformed, Presbyterian, Orthodox Presbyterian, and other Bible believing churches. The name “Calvinist” comes from the Protestant reformer, John Calvin.
Junior Cadets - For Boys Grades 1 – 3 (ages 6 – 8 years)
- The Junior Cadets feel the excitement of cadetting as they work on simplified merit badges and projects to advance three ranks.
- Exploring the world through games, crafts, badges, and Bible lessons.
- The counselor does the work for them and with them.
Recruit - Pathfinder - Builder - For Boys, Grades 4 – 6 (ages 9 – 11 years)
- Throughout his Recruit • Pathfinder • Builder experience, the Cadet will explore a wide range of interests and skills as he works through many of the more than 100 merit badges.
- Exploring a wide range of interests and skills
- The counselor works with them.
Guide Trails - For Boys, Grades 7 – 9 (ages 12 – 14)
- The Guide Trails Cadet will spend three years concentrating on specific areas of interest. The 17 project booklets provide a challenge to the boy as he works in depth on two guide trails a year. Flexibility helps make this program work.
- Concentrating on specific areas of interest.
- The counselor helps them to do the work.