Cadets
During the Second World War, Brockville Collegiate Institute and Vocational School (BCI) ran a mandatory or strongly encouraged cadet program for male students. Aligned with the Canadian Cadet Movement, the program included military drills, rifle training using Ross Rifles, and, in some cases, instruction from military veterans. The training was intended to prepare young men for potential military service.
Female students played active roles in supporting the war effort through school‑based activities. While formal, government‑funded female cadet corps were not officially authorized until 1975, girls often participated in unofficial, school‑funded, or community‑based initiatives, including involvement in bands and other war‑support activities. Some high schools, like BCI, had school funded units where girls wore uniforms.
Interesting to note: The rifle practice area was located in what is now the ramp connecting the cafeteria to the Learning Commons.
Two photos above were taken at Camp Ipperwash, which was located on Lake Huron. It was a training facility during WWII and later by the army and cadets.
For more information regarding the camp, please see the following website:
