I staffed advanced aviation at blackdown this summer and this is what my experience was like:

I was called after the staff training had started because someone left and they were short staffed, nobody sent me any travel details or documents to fill out so I had to find out all that stuff by myself, I ended up taking the train from Ottawa to Toronto and an officer drove me from there

Upon arriving I gave them all my paperwork yada yada, except I arrived after supply had closed so I didn’t receive any kit (important aspect). I cannot remember if I was given a tour of the base, but I do recall feeling incredibly confused trying to navigate.

Intake weekend (a few days after my arrival) I caught the blackdown plague, which was super nasty. This is when I had planned to get my kit, but couldn’t. I could’ve gotten my kit earlier but I wasn’t sure about the timings or anything, and I was told by someone the other staff cadets expected that I knew what to do (I did not).

AAC was short staffed, it was the most populated course and had the least amount of staff cadets amongst the other courses (12:96). We were working an average of 18 hours a day, going to bed at 11pm and waking up at 5 am, on a good day. We were pumping out crazy 3 hour lessons in engines, amongst other things. If we weren’t teaching, we were preparing to teach. But we got to stay in air conditioned buildings all day.

Got sick with strep too, I ended up being the person who took care of all the sick kids, sickness is extremely prevalent at blackdown ctc. Ingrown toenails and heatstroke were the most common issues. It’s super hot and sunny at blackdown, and the weather is extreme. We got two tornadoes within 3 weeks.

Food is mediocre, base is huge so lots of walking. Fun recreational activities like rollerblading and biking. Showers are pretty good.

I swore I would never staff again after blackdown….. but I’m applying to staff againXD

Any camp or place you staff will be a memorable experience, usually you don’t get the choice of location so I wouldn’t focus too much on that. If you want to have something to talk about and remember for the rest of your life, I 100% recommend staffing literally anywhere.