2020 CCC Presidential Candidates
Introducing the 2020 Calvinist Cadet Corps presidential candidates: Dave Mast and Gary VanZandwijk!
One of these men will be elected by council congressmen to serve as President of the Calvinist Cadet Corps.
Each council gets one vote per congressman. The number of congressmen is based on the number of registered clubs. The votes are due by November 15, 2020. The man selected will serve, Lord willing, from January 2021 until January 2024.
About the Candidates
We asked both candidates several questions – here are their answers.
How many years have you been involved in Cadets?
Dave
Seventeen
Gary
I have been involved with Cadets since the age of 10 and I am now 44. I have been a full counselor for 26 years
What role do you play in your local club?
Dave
Co-Head Counselor
Gary
At this present time, I am Part Time counselor as consistory meets on the same night. My time in consistory will be done next spring, and I will be glad to be back full time.
What leadership positions have you held in Cadets?
Dave
In GR North: asst. treasurer, 2 years, President 4 years, Congressman for 3 years. Was on executive committee for 3 years and President currently.
Gary
I have served as both congressman and president for Huron and Erie, as well as congressman for Thunder Bay for a short time. I have been head counselor in several different churches over the years. I have also served on the executive for a term as well as chaired the program committee for the 2008 International Camporee. I have been the DCE team leader in Huron and Erie for years as well as serving as RTC.
What international camporee experience do you have?
Dave
Was on rifle range for 3 years, 2 of which I was the Range Master.
Gary
My first Camporee was as a cadet in 1990 at the age of 14. I went to the 2005 camporee as a counselor, and worked to plan and was a staff member for 2008 Camp Northern Lights. I attended 2014 as a counselor, and 2017 as an Adjutant.
What other involvement have you had with Cadets?
Dave
Chaired regional conference committee when GR north held it. Chaired first all Michigan camporee committee. Involved in several Musk-O-Tawa camporees.
Gary
I have been an active DCE since 1999, and have helped plan some regional conferences as well as helped to plan the last convention I have attended 2 other conferences as well as several regional conferences….frequently providing workshops. I currently serve as an RTC here in southwestern Ontario.
What other leadership positions have you had in church and related organizations?
Dave
Was a Deacon for one term. Then Cadets.
Gary
I currently am serving as an Elder in my church, and my term will come to completion (DV) in the spring. I serve as Vice all on my church council as well as pulpit supply. I have also been on the transportation committee for our local Christian school.
What skills or spiritual gifts do you have to help you as CCC president?
Dave
A love for the ministry is first and foremost. This only can be because Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Without Christ, I would never be equipped to do any of the things that I have done. I still trust that God will always strengthen me and equip me to do his work.
Gary
I have displayed a willingness to serve, as well as to lead. I can delegate. I will stand for my convictions, but not to the point I am not willing to work with those of differing convictions. I have also been blessed to be part of Cadets in a few different geographical areas and realize that the program changes with location, and what is effective in one area may not be the case elsewhere. The reality is, If God wills me to this position, He will bless me with what I require to do the task He has given.
What is your occupation?
Dave
I co-own a greenhouse and a trucking company with my brother.
Gary
I am an Agricultural Service Technician …aka Agricultural Mechanic.
Can you make daytime meetings?
Dave
Yes.
Gary
I can with notice.
Do you have any family conflicts that would impact your work with Cadets?
Dave
No.
Gary
I have 2 younger children (11 and 13) who are excited about this for me. Not that they would be a conflict, but they will take some attention.
Do you have any conflicts with other interests, hobbies, or committees?
Dave
No, but it is hard to make meetings during daytime during May.
Gary
I will be a little busy come spring if elected as I am vice all of church council, but the chair of consistory and council assures me that the church will share and encouraged me to allow my name to stand.
What is the role of the President of CCC?
Dave
The president’s role is to lead the executive committee, chair the steering committee for the International Camporee, and serve on vision team and DYM board. Also, the president is the person that oversees the Executive Director. The Executive Director answers to the President, but the President is more importantly there for the Executive Director to support him in his job.
Gary
The President of the CCC prays for the organization and loves it dearly. He provides leadership to the executive committee as well as to any official corp level activity such as congress. He helps to develop the mission of Cadeting as set forth from the membership. And aids in the implementation of new policies set forth.
What role does the Corps play in the ministry of Cadets?
Dave
Corps provides the support to the club level and makes structure for the congressmen’s meeting and their role in the directing of cadets.
Gary
Corps provide the support system to the men working with the boys. They develop materials, plan and assist with the facilitation of these plans. They provide counselors with he tools they need to do their job as well as assist with the education to use the tools provided
What are the most pressing needs Cadets face right now?
Dave
A revival in the church.
Gary
As an organization, we need to be vigilant on a couple fronts. Firstly, our dropping numbers are a concern. There has been a slow and steady decline to our numbers for many years, and although the reasons for that may be many, I feel we can be making strides to increase our membership. Secondly, there seems to be a looming threat pertaining to gender identity issues and how we run our organization. We need to be able to hold on to how the Lord has instructed us to live and to show grace while we do it. That being said, I do not claim to possess the answers to these issues, but I am willing to work with my fellow counselors to try to develop a plan that glorifies God and blesses the organization.
What are the core values that the Cadet Corps should always maintain?
Dave
The reformed faith. Adherence to the word of God. Keeping out worldly influences that corrupt our values.
Gary
We need to remember and help instill on the boys we work with that God is sovereign and his Word is truth. Our lives need to reflect this. We are a Calvinist Organization, and that may never change. We need to help boys to grow and understand that they have been chosen by God and we as His chosen people, need to show joy and gratitude in our lives.
What do you see as the future of Cadets 5, 10, or 20 years from now?
Dave
Honestly, without revival, struggling. We will do about the same in terms of numbers. Gaining some, losing some. With revival, the Lord knows the limit. I do think Cadets is a real way to help bring revival to our Churches. I view cadets as not the future members of church, but the future leaders of the church.
Gary
I would love to say that the organization has grown its membership by leaps and bounds, but we need to realize this dream can only be realized by the hard work and dedication of all the counselors everywhere. For that to happen, tools and a road map need to be put into place to facilitate that growth as well as a plan to manage it.
Is there anything you would like to say to Cadet counselors about your name being considered for CCC President?
Dave
I am humbled that you have chosen me to be your current President. If you choose to do so again, I will do my utmost, with God helping me, to serve Cadets for the furtherance of His kingdom.
Gary
It is an honour (Canadian spelling) to be even considered and am excited to continue to serve God where ever He places me.