Cadet Adventures with the Army
On top of Corps’ two Summer Camps this summer, four lucky Army Cadets won places on UK-wide adventure training course with CCAT, the Cadet Centre for Adventure Training.
Cpl Lewis (Fifth Year) spent an incredible week crewing a 72ft yacht with just nine other cadets as they sailed from Ipswich to Portsmouth.
“It was a great week with a great group of people. Over the week we learnt how to fold sails, steer the ship, do the lines as well as many other activities aboard. The best part was probably trying to cook lunch for everyone while at a 40o angle in the middle of the English Channel! I learned so much and had an amazing time. At the end of it, we all came away with an RYA competent crew certification, and I was recommended for doing the advanced (“Leadership”) course as well as to become a training watch leader.”
Meanwhile, LCpls Mulcaire and van den Berg (Fourth Year) won places on a week-long mountain biking course in North Wales.
“One of the highlights for me was the 38km navigation exercise from camp to Llanfairfechan beach, traversing both road and off-road terrain. The scenery was incredible, and I came away with new mountain biking skills, but by far the best part of the experience was meeting and making friends with cadets from all over the UK, many of whom I hope to stay in touch with for years to come.”
Finally, Cdt Amsel (Fourth Year) had a wonderful week exploring Snowdonia on foot as part of the much-sought-after Mountain Skills course.
“Three days of demanding training exercises high in the mountains of increasing length and difficulty led to the culmination – an expedition. After a 12km hike we reached our camping spot, a secluded lake almost 600m above sea level. From there, we set up camp and enjoyed a scenic dinner before summitting the nearest peak, Cnicht, at dusk. Mesmerised by the best sunset of my life, I then walked back down to camp for an evening of Uno and stargazing away from any light pollution. After waking up next to the glassy water of Llyn yr Adar, we set off for the final leg of the week, a quick 7km through abandoned slate quarries. By the end of the week, I had racked up 70km of distance hiked, over 3,000m of elevation gain, hundreds of incredible photos, and memories that will stick with me for life.”
Well done to all four cadets on their endeavour and fine performances on these demanding courses.
Capt Mathew Owen
OC Army Section
