Vernon lingerie store’s not the best hangout for cadets

VERNON – It’s that time of year when hundreds of sharp-dressed cadets can be found around town, but it appears one local business wants to keep them at bay.

A notice posted outside La Senza in the Village Green Centre, a popular stop for the cadets on weekends, asked that no more than five enter at a time, and that no male cadets come in at all ‘out of respect to other shoppers and staff.’

The store declined an interview about its reasons and provided no company spokesperson. It has since removed the sign.

Good behaviour and respectable conduct are among the many qualities expected of cadets, and the training centre followed up immediately. Deputy commanding officer Major Miroslav Novak spoke with La Senza and says it’s possible some of the cadets got ‘a bit rambunctious and a little bit silly.’ Another concern that came up was the high volume of cadets crowding the small store.

“They’re expected to behave down in the mall and represent themselves well as cadets,” Novak says. “We emphasize they are in the public eye.”

Cadets are required to sign a code of conduct form when they enter the program, which is for youths aged 12-18, and are briefed on proper behaviour before going on outings. Novak says cadets will be getting reminders before their next trip to the mall, and adds that adults are always on hand and any concerns can be brought to them, or to camp officials.

At any given time in the summer, roughly 800 cadets are in town and the community will see them out and about enjoying their free time until the program winds down mid-August. They are undoubtedly a boon for many local businesses, particularly ice cream shops, book stores and electronics stores. Many cadets come from more rural parts of Canada and enjoy making use of the shopping amenities while here, Novak says.

“When I’ve been down on occasion with them in the mall, I’ve been constantly approached by patrons or staff complimenting the behaviour of the cadets,” Novak says.

The historic camp has trained about 80,000 cadets since 1949, and focusses on leadership, adventure training and fitness, all with a military flair. Hardworking cadets will return home with new skills, friends, and souvenirs — but maybe not lingerie.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.