Five Ways to Start the New Year as a Strong Cadet

As the calendar turns and we enter a brand-new year, it is a great time for Cadets to pause, look back, and look ahead. God has walked with us through every challenge and every blessing, and He calls us to keep growing as boys who stand firm in our faith.

Here are five simple and practical ways Cadets can start the new year strong.

1. Recommit to Your Walk with God

A new year gives each of us a fresh opportunity to grow closer to the Lord.
Encourage your Cadet, or yourself, to start small:

  • Read one Bible verse each morning
  • Pray before meals or bedtime
  • Pick a verse to memorize each month

Small habits build strong faith. Begin with something you know you can keep doing.

2. Set One Cadet Goal for the Year

Goals help us stay focused, motivated, and intentional.

Maybe your goal is to earn a badge you have always wanted. Maybe it is to finish a craft project you started or to attend every meeting you can this winter. Keep it simple. One clear goal is enough.

Write it down. Share it with your counselor. Pray about it. Watching God help you reach your goals is one of the most rewarding parts of the Cadet program.

3. Look for Opportunities to Serve

Jesus calls us not just to believe but also to act. One of the best ways to grow as a Cadet is to find small ways to serve the people around you.

Try these ideas:

  • Help shovel a neighbor’s driveway
  • Write a note to someone who needs encouragement
  • Help younger kids at church
  • Ask your family how you can help today

Serving builds character, and it brings joy to others and to God.

4. Build Something With Your Hands or Your Heart

Cadets learn by doing. Winter is a great time to work on a project.

You could:

  • Try a woodworking challenge
  • Start a badge that interests you
  • Repair something at home
  • Build a habit like kindness, patience, or gratitude

Whether you are building a birdhouse or a better attitude, building something is one of the best ways to grow.

5. Stay Connected to Your Club

Community matters. Cadets grow strongest when they show up, participate, and encourage each other.

As the year begins:

  • Make club nights a priority
  • Invite a friend to come with you
  • Thank your counselors for their leadership
  • Look for ways to help your club thrive

When Cadets stay connected, everyone grows.

Starting Strong Together

The new year is more than a change in the calendar. It is an invitation from God to keep growing in faith, courage, and Christlike character.

Remember this promise as you step into the year ahead:

“Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14

With God guiding us, we can start the new year as strong Cadets, ready to learn, serve, build, and stand firm.

If you have any questions or comments, please let the Corps office know at info@calvinistcadets.org.