363 Captain Brian Barker Squadron

Squadron History

Since its inception, 363 Captain Brian Barker RCACS has gone through the following name changes. The dates shown are from the official records at the National Office of the Air Cadet League of Canada, and agree with the dates held by DND: 363 Campbell River Squadron (1986–2008); 363 Capt. Brian Barker RCACS (2008–present).

The Campbell River Air Cadet Movement began in the mid-1980s. Prior to the creation of the 363 Campbell River Air Cadet Squadron, youth from Campbell River who wanted to be Air Cadets were transported by bus down to Comox where they paraded with the 386 Komox Squadron. In 1985 the parents of these Cadets felt that there was enough interest in the community to form a Squadron in Campbell River.

With the assistance of Mr. Russ Hammond of the BCPC and the RCSU Pacific, along with the corporate support from the Campbell River Kinsman Club, the following Air Cadet parents started the groundwork to make this a reality: SSC Chair John Gaudrault, Secretary/Treasurer Christine Thompson, and members Robert Baker, Ethyl Ashcroft, and Doug Slowski.

The first Commanding Officer of the Squadron was Capt. Brian Barker. Initial parades were held in the Willow Point Hall in Campbell River. The Squadron received its Charter on August 30, 1986 and was officially stood up as the 363 Campbell River Squadron.

The founding group of parents wanted a more permanent home for the Squadron. After the group received their society status under the name Campbell River Air Youth Association, this enabled them to sign personal guarantees for a loan at the bank. An un-finished hangar located at the Campbell River Airport was purchased. Thanks to major fundraising efforts by many local groups — including parents, volunteers, fire fighters, community bingo, the Campbell River Kinsman Club, and the generosity of the local community — the hangar was renovated, a parade square was constructed, and the debt was very soon paid off. On January 1, 1987 the Squadron moved into its new home at the current location at the Campbell River Airport.

Out of respect for one of the main driving forces behind the Squadron's formation, the name "Captain Brian Barker Squadron" was unofficially attached to the Squadron. Finally, in 2008 the unit was officially renamed "363 Captain Brian Barker RCACS".

Home at the Campbell River Airport

Over the years since 363 Capt. Brian Barker Squadron was launched as the most northern Squadron in the Vancouver Island Wing, this Squadron and its Cadets have had several memorable achievements. One example was in 2017 when the 363 Campbell River Squadron's Small Drill Team was awarded First Place in the VI Wing Drill Competition.

Today the Squadron continues to parade out of the hangar it purchased in 1986 and, unless the Squadron triples in size, it will continue to serve its purpose as the headquarters for the Squadron.

Through the Years

COVID-19 & Rebuilding

In more recent years, the Squadron Staff and the SSC tried to keep the program running as best they could during the COVID pandemic. All classes went to an online format with an effort to keep Cadets learning and engaged. They continued the format of Cadets teaching their peers lessons and even celebrated holiday festivities from the comfort of their own homes while wearing "ugly Christmas sweaters".

Eventually they were able to return to the hangar while following all of the health and safety guidelines, which included things like having a 6-foot pole to mark out distances between Cadets, multiple sanitizers all over the hangar, tape markings on the floor, masks, hand washing, and parading outside whenever possible. What a relief it was to be able to host their first Annual Ceremonial Review post-pandemic!

It has taken some time to rebuild the Squadron numbers after the COVID pandemic, but with some hard work from the Squadron Staff and Sponsoring Committee, they are finally seeing their efforts pay off as they continue to see many new faces walk through the hangar doors.

Community Sponsors

Over its 38-plus years of existence the Squadron has had an amazing relationship with the community of Campbell River. Besides the volunteer contributions of the Cadet parents and the Squadron staff, a large percentage of the Squadron's success can be credited to the following corporate and personal sponsors:

Sealand Aviation · Pioneer Home Hardware and Building Centre · Thrifty Foods · Air Cadet League of Canada BC Provincial Committee · Royal Canadian Legion Branch 137 · Emterra Environmental · Cumberland BC Island Return-It · Boston Pizza · Chris, Alan and Reg Barker · Smith & Lee Local Butcher Shop · Flurer Smokery · Grieg Seafood · Emma's Bakehouse · Mowi Canada West · Mikis Breakfast and Sushi