The Navy League of Est. 1895

Formation

Founded in 1895, The Navy League of Canada is a national organization with a broad-based mandate to promote Maritime Affairs. Efforts from the Navy League helped the government when it was forming Canada's naval policy and establishing the Canada Naval Service, forerunner of the , in 1910. Canadian Branches supported a youth training programme aimed at encouraging young men towards a seafaring career and providing basic training in citizenship and seamanship.

Heavy commitments were placed on the Navy League during the First World War. Activities expanded into the operation of hostels for seafaring personnel, provision of warfare services to the dependents of seamen, and the rehabilitation of naval veterans. Following World War I, the League took particular interest in seeking continued support for a Canadian flag merchant marine and maintained shore hostel facilities. The training of boys was formalized under the name Boys’ Naval Brigades.

During the Second World War, the Navy League was once more involved in War Services activities. These included the operation of hostels, and the provision of amenities and special clothing supplies for the RCN, the Canadian Merchant Navy as well as to visiting ships.

With the end of the Second World War and the closing out of its War Services operations, the League turned is attention to continued support of youth training and improving ’ knowledge of Maritime Affairs. The name Boys’ Naval Brigades was changed to the Navy League Sea Cadets, which today is now known as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. In 1948, the Navy League Cadet Corps for younger boys was established with the Navy League Wrenette Corps for young ladies following in the year 1950. The Wrenettes have since become integrated with Sea Cadet and Navy League Cadet Corps.

Today there are over 10,000 Royal Canadian Sea Cadets in 236 Corps across Canada and as well there are 105 Navy League Cadet Corps with over 3,000 cadets. The Navy League of Canada as a national organization has a right to be proud of its members today as in the past, and is grateful to them for their unselfish support of the Navy League’s objectives.

Navy League Cadets (9-12)

Since 1948, the Navy League Cadet programme has introduced young Canadians to nautical life. The Navy League Cadet Program provides young Canadians the opportunity to develop important life-skills in a dynamic, challenging and fun learning environment. This nautically themed program prepares young Canadians to become active, responsible members of their communities by developing key values and skills.

For ages 9 through 12, Navy League Cadets get to do a lot of fun, interesting activities, in an environment that emphasizes teamwork. Some activities cadets may enjoy include: band, camping, sailing, community tours, parades, and sports. The Navy League Cadet programme is volunteer-led and introduces young Canadians to the Cadet programmes offered to youth aged 12-18.

Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (12-18)

Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a youth programme delivered in partnership with the Department of National Defence. The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is an exciting programme that provides opportunities and challenges relevant to today's youth aged 12 through 18, which fosters the development of leadership skills, good citizenship and physical fitness. The program also teaches youth to contribute to their communities, accept responsibility, assume leadership roles, and to always do their best.

Cadets have opportunities to attend summer camps, participate in bands, learn to sail, serve on a tall ship or navy vessel, exchange with Sea Cadets from other parts of the world, and staff leadership positions. While the Sea Cadet programme is led by members of the , Cadets are not members of the CF and are not expected to join.

Our Volunteers

The Navy League is a volunteer-led organization, so we appreciate the challenge of balancing career and family and understand how truly precious your free time is. Some of us are parents of cadets, and have made the Navy League a family activity. We volunteer while our children are participating in their training programme. Some of us were cadets ourselves, and have dedicated our time in appreciation for the great experience we had in our own youth.

We come from all walks of life, all ages and many different occupations, but we all share a common purpose: to provide support to the leaders of tomorrow. We hope you will join us, and see for yourself why many of us have volunteered for over 20 years.

We have a rewarding range of volunteer opportunities for adults. Whether you enjoy teaching and working with youth, want to share your hobby, assist with transportation, would like to develop your management skills or are interested in fundraising. Even if you only have a few hours a year to give, we can match your talents and time to a suitable volunteer position.