Despite shutting down between the second world war and when it reopened in the 1970s the 303 Army Cadet Unit in Stawell is one of the oldest in Victoria.

Admin Commander, Lieutenant Aaron Croft said the cadet unit needs a minimum of 10 new members to guarantee its survival.

"We need a minimum 10 people to show interest, otherwise there is the real risk we will have to fold," he said.

"There has been a long tradition of cadets here in Stawell and we are trying to keep something in this town for youth.

"It is good for the community and youth to have it here, it gives them another outlet."

Lt Croft said aspiring cadets have between now and June 30 to show an interest.

"We do four camps a year, one every term. They go to Puckapunyal for a week, we teach them how to march, we teach them how to wear their uniform and we teach them respect," he said.

"It is all about teamwork, courage and initiative, that's our motto for the army cadets and it's very youth orientated now."

Cadet under officer Taya Croft is one of the Stawell unit's success stories.

Ms Croft has spent the last five years rising up through the ranks and said involvement in the unit is open to any teen with an interest.

"I got involved because of my observations with my three older brothers going through the unit," she said.

"We've had girly girls, who were full on into make up and they loved it so much they stayed for their final years.

"We've had some guys that like to play around with technology more than sports. We encourage anybody with an interest in anything.

"Cadets is a great thing for people to grow on their skills and to make new ones.

"Why not give it a shot, you have nothing to lose."

The Victoria Australia Army Cadets is a leading national youth development organisation with the character and values of the Australian Army, founded on a strong community partnership.

It is open to young people (both male and female) aged 12.5 to 18 years and gives them a chance to develop their leadership potential, learn teamwork and develop new skills by taking part in a range of activities such as community work and adventure activities.

The Stawell contingent of cadets meet every Wednesday night between 6.30pm and 9.30pm in the SES Hall in Sloane Street.

For more information contact Lt Croft on 0419 394 554 or go to the AAC website: https://www.cadetnet.gov.au/aac/Pages/home.aspx