Summerside seaman named P.E.I.s best cadet

SUMMERSIDE - David McKinnon is at the top of his game.
He's not a basketball or hockey player.

SUMMERSIDE - David McKinnon is at the top of his game.
He's not a basketball or hockey player.
McKinnon excels in the disciplined world of sea cadets, where he's No. 1.
"It was actually a surprise to me when I received it," he said of being named P.E.I.'s top sea cadet. "I was ecstatic."
McKinnon got involved in sea cadets five years ago, following in his sister Katie's footsteps. He liked the uniforms and stories his sister told about summer training and friends she had made.
McKinnon made his way up through the ranks, spending summers at sea cadet camp at HMCS Acadia.
"You learn seamanship and how to sail, how to shoot air rifles. It's just a wonderful experience," said McKinnon. "It's jam packed full of a lot of information. There are a lot of leadership skills and time-management skills that they teach you that are very useful in and out of cadets."
His time-management skills have helped him balance schoolwork and weekly cadet training sessions where he teaches younger cadets.
"It helps you pretty much everywhere else in life."
The program has provided him with free sailing training, something he enjoys.
"I was with my older sister the first time out. She was kind of nervous because it was my first time in a boat and she wasn't all that comfortable herself but it turned out OK," recalled McKinnon. "We started taking on water but it all worked out in the end."
When asked what he does in his spare time he says, with a laugh, "cadets".
He's the only cadet remaining of those who joined five years ago.
After graduation, the 17-year-old plans on a military career. He hopes to be accepted into the Royal Military College where he'll study engineering.
"The sea cadets is a great asset to have once you join the military because you know the drills, how to maintain a uniform and it looks good on your resume when you're applying."
That military career will likely be on land, not the sea, though.
McKinnon's friends often tease him for being so dedicated to cadets.
But he believes his training has given him an advantage in life.
"They think all the effort and time isn't worth it in the end but it actually is… because of all the leadership skills you gain, all the friends you make. You make lifetime memories. You'll never forget summer camp or your cadet experiences."
He added, "It's Canada best kept secret."

nmacphee@journalpioneer.com