By Andrea Eid, Materiel Group Internal Communications Student

The Department of National Defence (DND) hosted this year’s edition of Take Your Kids to Work Day at the Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre (CRPTC) on November 14. The event was an opportunity for grade 9 students to get a preview of what a career in defence could be.

Launched in 1994, Take Your Kids to Work Day is an initiative of The Learning Partnership, a Toronto-based charitable organization that fosters connections between youth and employers. Each November, an estimated 200,000 youth in grade 9 take part in career education events all across the country.

While the main goal of Take Your Kids to Work Day has shifted over the years, its core message remains clear: parents have the capacity to inspire and help their children forge a promising career path.

Throughout the day, military personnel engaged curious students in conversation, explaining the use of various military equipment and vehicles that were on display. Some students inquired about the educational requirements to pursue a military or defence-related career.

A Buffalo mine-protected vehicle, field dental and ambulance displays, a military police cruiser and more were available on-site and open for everyone to explore. Students maneuvered a remote controlled robot and posed for a pictures in the cockpits of a CF-18 fighter or a Snowbird.

At the gun pellet range, students learned how to handle and shoot pellet guns under the guidance of military personnel. Crouched down in a sniper stance, kids focused their aim on small metal target holes 10 feet away. A spirit of fun and competition was also roused at an obstacle course where students tested their strength and endurance under the considerable weight of a real bomb disposal suit.

A station serving ice cream made from cream and liquid nitrogen attracted the largest crowd. Parents and kids gathered around to taste the results and to observe the preparation process of this unconventional creation.

After a busy morning, attendees headed over to the cafeteria where they were able to sit down, warm up and enjoy lunch.