On April 1st, 1994, authorization was granted to Captain Murray Davidson (then Lieutenant) to form an Army Cadet unit in Bracebridge after two years of efforts and lobbying. On September 7th, 1994, the first training night occurred at Bracebridge Public School with 35 interested youth. Since that time the Cadet Corps has been awarded the Lord Strathcona Award twice. The Muskoka Pioneers have had approximately 1000 local youth go through the program between 1994 and 2023, but not all have stayed for their full duration. Some have completed the program and gone on to service in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Officer via the Royal Military College or as an enlisted member. It takes the right attitude and frame of mind to endure the Cadet program, however the rewards are incomparable and stay with the Cadet through their entire lives. From 1994 until presently in 2023 the Muskoka Pioneers have had 9 Officers Commanding:
Captain Murray Davidson 1994-1998
Captain Lorne Sculthorp 1998-2000
Captain Melissa Wordragen 2000-2003
Captain Simon Young 2003-2006
Captain Peter Ruttan 2006-2009
Captain Derrick Hammond 2009-2012
Captain Lorne Sculthorp 2012-2013
Captain Robert Harley 2014-2017
Captain Laura Pepper 2017-Present
Each year the training conducted focuses on leadership, bushcraft skills, citizenship, marksmanship, physical fitness and the fundamentals of military organization. On average, the Muskoka Pioneers will participate in 4 local field exercises (in all seasons), Detachment Headquarter events (typically held at CFB Borden) and numerous community activities yearly. The Muskoka Pioneers enjoy significant support from our local Royal Canadian Legions to wit: Branch #161 Bracebridge, Branch #302 Gravenhurst and Branch #424 Bala. The current affiliate Military unit from the Canadian Armed Forces is 32 Signal Regiment of the 32 Canadian Brigade Group, 4th Canadian Division. The affiliate unit provides military support and assistance in the form of occasional instructors, military vehicles and equipment along with a sense of belonging to the Canadian Forces.
Finally, the Muskoka Pioneers also have a support committee, which is mostly made up of parents of current and former cadets. They volunteer their time and efforts and a lot of energy, via running fundraising events and assisting the Officer's in the unit as required.