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Junior Cadet Division
A vibrant and welcoming space for young people aged 8 to 11, the Junior Cadet Division is the perfect place for children to begin their nautical adventure. Here at Leicester Navy Cadets, we provide a safe, structured, and exciting environment that introduces young cadets to life on the water, teamwork, and personal development
— all while having fun!​​
What you can expect
Our Junior Cadets follow a structured but flexible training programme towards their individual advancement, promoting confidence, friendship, and an early understanding of naval traditions and life skills.
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They will also be working towards their Colour Stepping Stone badges, based on modules of a similar theme within their training programme.
Junior Cadet Rank Structure
Our Junior Cadet rank structure helps younger cadets build confidence, teamwork, and foundational skills in a fun and supportive environment. All juniors begin as Junior Cadets, where they learn the basics of cadet life, including respect, discipline, and cooperation. As they develop, Junior Cadets have the opportunity to take on new challenges and progress through the following ranks:
Junior Cadet
(JC)
Junior Cadet Class 2
(JC2)
Junior Cadet Class 1
(JC1)
Leading Junior Cadet
(LJC)
Proficiencies & Specialisations
Within the Junior Division, cadets are given exciting opportunities to earn a variety of nationally recognised proficiency and specialisation qualifications, all tailored to their age group and abilities. These help build confidence, independence, and practical life skills that support their growth both in and out of uniform.
There are a wide range of qualifications available to Junior Cadets, including:
Heart Start
Basic First Aid
Cadets can complete the Heart Start programme, an introductory First Aid course that teaches essential lifesaving skills. From how to deal with unconscious casualties to understanding when and how to call for help, it’s an empowering and practical qualification that could make a real difference in emergencies.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Through interactive sessions and themed challenges, cadets explore the world of STEM—from buoyancy experiments and simple circuits to learning how navigation and engineering work at sea. These sessions ignite curiosity and develop problem-solving skills, all within a fun, naval-themed environment.
Boating and
Water Sports
Cadets get hands-on experience in paddle sports such as katakanu, bell boating, and kayaking, with safety always at the forefront. They can work toward basic waterborne qualifications that promote confidence on the water and develop core teamwork and coordination skills. These activities are not only fun, but also help build a strong foundation for future cadet boating qualifications.
Orienteering
and Campcraft
Junior Cadets begin to build basic outdoor navigation skills, including map reading, compass use, and route planning. These fieldcraft activities are taught in engaging ways that promote spatial awareness, independence, and resilience—perfect preparation for our outdoor training camps, or those looking to join the Marine Detachment.