Members of the No. 9 Air Cadets squadron will have no problem finding their way around the wilderness after their recent outing. The group travelled to Big Valley for a fall bush exercise over the last weekend of September to learn how to survive the elements, work together as a team and have some fun while doing so. The cadets were taught how to snare an animal, build campfires and signal S.O.S., while also undergoing leadership tasking, team building and shelter building exercises, among other skills. There are over 35 cadets this year from ages 12-18 with many of them participating in the weekend exercise. Meanwhile, around 10 cadets have already started planning and are about to kick off fundraising for a 2014 trip in remembrance of D-Day. “We're traveling to Italy to tour the battlefields and go across to the D-Day (commemoration ceremony) in recognition of its 70th anniversary,” commanding officer Mark Anderson said. “It's a once in a lifetime experience for the cadets. They are saying this will be the last year of the vets because of their age now. “Other cadets from around Canada and the world will be there too.” While traveling overseas, the cadets plan to tour other battlefields, go to Juno Beach and Normandy, visit grave sites and see what other sites they can find as well. “We are planning to go to the Canadian centre (at Juno Beach) because the Neepawa Legion donated toward a plaque in recognition of the people from this area (who fought there),” Anderson explained. “But to be able to go, we're going to starts fundraising now to pay for the cadets.” The cadets have plenty of time, as Anderson excitedly noted there were 606 days left until the trip at the time of the interview last week, but in true cadet form the participating members want to ensure they have the funds needed in good time. Some fundraising activities are being planned while anyone who is interested in donating towards the trip can call Mark at 476-6113. In the meantime, the cadets have a few more activities planned throughout the season including participating in a biathlon, inter-province sport competitions and as a range team, as well as another bush exercise later in the year.