William, an Air Cadet from Dorset and Wiltshire Wing recently attended the International Air Cadet Exchange in Canada. Here's a report of his time there.

"Back in December 2015 I was honoured to be given a place in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) to Canada, where I would be the only cadet from not only my Squadron, 7 Overseas (Jersey), but from the Dorset and Wiltshire Wing.

The trip was to be three thousand miles across the Atlantic Ocean to learn about the cultures of other Cadet Squadrons and Canadian heritage. During the trip, we visited Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, the exchange group consisted of 67 cadets from 11 countries, and I was among the 27 from the UK. Whilst we were on the exchange, we had opportunities, such as flying in the Griffin helicopter, meeting the Native-American Mi’kmaq tribe, visiting a Canadian Navy War Ship, and learning the cultural background of Canada, along with host families who accommodated us for three days.

It was a fantastic experience, and I would highly recommend the IACE to anyone, as I have now made life-long friends from around the world, and without the help of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, who helped me to fund this once in a lifetime experience, without which, I would have struggled to collect the funds necessary for this to happen. So I am highly appreciate for the support of the John Thornton Trust."

We're pleased you had such a great time!