Cadets
The Calvinist Cadet Corps was founded in 1952 by Christian men who saw the need to mentor, by word and example, the young men and boys in their community. It has become a world-wide ministry that incorporates weekly meetings and outdoor adventure.
The basis of the Calvinist Cadet Corps is the Word of God (the Bible) according to the concept of the same as expressed in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, and the Belgic Confession. Practical Application of these Beliefs God is revealed in His Word – The cadeting ministry encourages studying the Bible as the guide to life. God is revealed in nature – The cadeting ministry encourages experiencing the presence of the Lord in His glorious creation. Learning the skills of an outdoorsman builds a boy's character, and developing a boy's understanding of his place in God's world helps him to be a faithful steward. Men as God's servants – The Calvinist Cadet Corps is the ministry of men of God who are dedicated to bring boys into a living relationship with their Lord and Savior. These men, understanding their imperfection, hold on to the promise that the Lord will bless their prayers, their example, and their instruction if they rely on God's strength
Boys from 4th - 8th grades meet with the Rock Valley Cadets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:20 p.m. Head counselor is Travis Blankespoor. Counselors from our church are Jeremy Van Beek, Jared Blankespoor, Kory Vander Zeil, and Josh DeJager
Cadet Schedule for 2023-2024
Schedule is subject to change throughout the year.
*** All meetings are from 7:00 to 8:30 pm unless otherwise noted. ***
August 16 – Counselor Meeting
September 6 – Three Rivers Meeting
September 13 – Kickoff Meeting 6:30 PM, Food provided, Flag Retirement Ceremony at 7:15
September 20 – 8th Graders pack candy boxes
September 22 to 23 – Fall campout overnight
September 27 – Lesson, Candy boxes for fundraiser distributed at end of meeting
October 4 – Three Rivers Meeting
October 11 – Lesson
October 25 – Lesson
November 1 – Three Rivers Meeting
November 8 – Lesson
November 15 – Lesson
December 6 – Three Rivers Meeting
December 13 – Lesson
December 20 – Snow Derby practice at Cadet building
December 30 – Snow Derby 9:00 AM
January 3 – Three Rivers Meeting
January 10 – Lesson
January 17 – Open Workshop to work on Pinewood Derby Cars
January 21 – Cadet Sunday (Varies by church)
January 26 – Pinewood Derby (6:30 PM weigh in and 7:00 PM start time)
January 28 – Cadet Sunday (Varies by church)
February 7 – Three Rivers Meeting
February 14 – Ash Wednesday, no meeting
February 21 – Lesson
February 28 – Lesson
March ??? – Prayer Day Service, no meeting
March 6 – Three Rivers Meeting
March 13 – Lesson
March 20 – RVCS Spring Break
March 26 – Counselors clean RVCS bus barn for Cadet-O-Rama
March 27 – Three Rivers Cadet-O-Rama 6:00 PM at the RVCS bus barn and Cadet building
April 10 – Lesson
April 24 – Walk Ditches 6:30 PM and Points Auction
May 1 – Three Rivers Meeting
May 8 – Counselor Meeting
May 25 – Practice for Memorial Day Activities and place flags, 10 AM
May 27 – Participate in Memorial Day Activities, 8:40 AM
The Goal of Cadeting Luke 2:52 states that "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." The goal of the Calvinist Cadet Corps, based upon that verse, is to help boys to grow spiritually in all areas of life (devotional, mental, physical, and social) by providing Christian men with a uniquely designed structure, program, and materials so that they can mentor boys effectively.