What started out with 11 young people in late 2010 has grown into a program with 79 members.

The 2277 Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps has also reached a cadet milestone - obtaining its flag.

"It depicts the maple leaf with the Crown inset and the words 'Acer Acerpori' which means 'As the maple, so the sapling'," said Capt.

Mary Ward. "It is displayed at the corp and can be carried on all ceremonies including Remembrance Day, and of course our Annual Ceremonial Review."

A formal ceremony was held earlier this month when the cadets heard from a visiting dignitary.

"You're not the new guys anymore. You've got your flag," said Maj. Russ Lacey, with Pacific Region Army Cadets.

He added that the purpose of cadets is not to create soldiers since most cadets do not enter the military, but to instill values such as loyalty, integrity, responsibility, courage, and teamwork.

"We are army cadets not because we are preparing to be part of the army or we are going to war, but to learn key virtues that will be important for the rest of each cadets' life," Russ said.

The cadet program is open to youth between the ages of 12 and 18. The young people take part in a variety of activities meant to instill positive qualities as well as provide them with skills.

This month, 30 members of 2277 are heading to Regina for winter camping for four days as part of the federally funded Interprovincial Cadet Exchange program.

In 2014, 2277 will then play host to a cadet corp from elsewhere.

Learn more about cadets at www. cadets.ca.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com