BCS Cadet Program
Established in 1861, the Bishop’s College School No. 2 Cadet Corps is the oldest continually active school cadet program in Canada.
The BCS Cadet Program is a unique part of the student experience, designed to help youth grow into confident, responsible, and engaged citizens.
Through leadership opportunities, outdoor adventures, teamwork, and service, students develop the skills needed to succeed both at school and beyond. Every student participates in the program, taking part in activities that encourage them to step outside their comfort zone, build practical skills, and contribute meaningfully to their community.
Each spring, this year-long commitment culminates in the Annual Cadet Review, a long-standing BCS tradition that celebrates student growth, leadership, and school pride in front of families, friends, and alumni.
Leadership, Confidence, and Character
Cadets is about leadership, personal growth, and student empowerment.
Students learn to communicate effectively, work as a team, solve problems, and lead with confidence. Along the way, they develop resilience, patience, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility—qualities that serve them well throughout their lives.
Because the program is tailored specifically to BCS, students benefit from experiences that extend far beyond the traditional classroom.
Unique Experiences
Throughout the year, students take part in a variety of hands-on activities designed to build confidence, leadership, and teamwork, including:
- Overnight orientation camp
- Camping and hiking expeditions
- Archery and orienteering
- Zip-lining and high-ropes courses
- Survival and outdoor skills
- Team-building challenges and competitions
- St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid certification
- Student-led leadership opportunities
Every activity is intentionally designed to encourage personal growth while creating lasting memories and friendships.
Student-Led Leadership
One of the most distinctive aspects of the BCS Cadet Program is that students are empowered to lead.
Senior cadets take on meaningful leadership roles, mentoring younger students, organizing activities, and helping guide the program throughout the year. These experiences provide valuable opportunities to practice leadership in real-world situations while building confidence and accountability.
A Tradition Like No Other
Established in 1861, the Bishop's College School No. 2 Cadet Corps is the oldest continually active school cadet program in Canada. BCS is also one of only a handful of schools in the country to offer a cadet program.
While the program proudly celebrates its history and traditions, its focus remains firmly on preparing students for the future through leadership, service, teamwork, and personal growth.
For more than 160 years, generations of BCS students have benefited from an experience that continues to evolve while remaining true to its core values.
For me Cadets was such an important part of the BCS experience. [In my graduating] year I won Her Queen Mother the Queen Elizabeth’s Award for demonstrating ‘the most officer like qualities.’ I’ll never have the opportunity to do something like that ever again.
Fevzi Kamalov, BCS’18
A Tradition of Leadership Since 1861
Home to Canada’s oldest continually active school cadet program.
1861
Established
160+
Years Active
100%
Student Participation
1 of 5
Schools in Canada Offering Cadets