Cadet Leadership Program

Mentone Grammar’s Cadet Leadership Program focuses on team building and leadership. There is also an emphasis on learning new practical skills such as camp cooking, care of tools and equipment, map reading, radio communications, native fauna education and basic drill. Leadership in the Cadet Unit provides older experienced cadets the opportunity to lead younger students in areas including bushcraft, abseiling, water safety, navigation and teamwork.

The highlight of Cadets is the annual Cadet Camp in August/September for Year 9 students, supported by the older cadet leaders and experienced teachers. Cadets camp in tents and undertake many activities and challenges including caving, canoeing, high ropes course, rogaining and rafting. This allows students the chance to demonstrate their individual initiative and capabilities and future leadership potential.  There is also a lot of fun including evening relaxation and entertainment around the campfire.

All Year 9 students complete a Year in the Cadet Unit as first year Cadets and then can apply to take part in the Cadet Leadership Programs  in Years 10, 11 & 12.

Mentone Grammar Cadets have opportunities to assist the community.  A good example of this was the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfire Relief program, where Cadets put their training, organisational and leadership skills into practice when they were called upon to assist the Salvation Army with their aid work.