While you're doing this...
Sailing across Port Phillip Bay, having fun with Cyber challenges, travelling abroad in our International Exchange program, ceremonial drill and parading with a band on Anzac Day, even weather-forecasting and power-boating…. and all while getting badges to prove it, perhaps taking part in national competitions…
…You’ll get all this
You’ll become confident in new situations. You feel more in-charge of yourself and know how to make a good impression.
You’ll find you want to listen to others with more experience in life than you because you’ll quickly see how it gets you to where you want to go.
In turn, you’ll learn how to support people who are less experienced than you, which you can use to captain a sports team and stand out in interviews.
And think how it would feel to be able to walk into a room and feel at ease speaking with anyone!
You will learn positive habits and new thinking that will last a lifetime. “I don’t give up” will become a fresh way of looking at the world!
“You learn life skills. I was 13, very quiet and shy. Cadets makes you find the confidence… You feel part of something special.” Natasha, 15
And skills and qualifications
You’ll get all the support you need to show what you’re made of, whether or not you shine at school.
Life feels different
Navy Cadets is not school and looks and feels different. There is a lot of learning, but it is done through activities – on the water and off the water – and our Instructors lead by example.
It is also different from home, a break from screens, devices, games and being cooped up inside. The platform we offer is built on the customs and traditions of the Royal Australian Navy. It inspires our work and commitment to supporting young people today.
Horizons open
You will meet other Cadets at events around Australia and become comfortable and confident with meeting people from different places and backgrounds. This can make going out into the world so much easier later on.
The support feels different, too
Our friendly, trained Instructors – some from a Navy background, some former Navy Cadets and many just from your town – are excellent role models for Cadets, looking out for them and helping to draw out the best in everyone.
If you think Navy Cadets sounds like having orders barked at you, think again!
Many Cadets want to be more self-disciplined and our Instructors will help with that and make it fun at the same time. But they also help young people to try things they have never done before and to work with them overcome any fears and shyness until they achieve it.
A second family
Everyone looks after each other in the Navy Cadets. There is a lot of respect in the air. Indeed, many teenagers and Instructors say Cadets feels like a second family.
We take this responsibility extremely seriously and have robust, active youth safety practices in place to ensure all young people feel secure and protected.