Page 13 - The Light Blue Volunteer Journal 2021

Climbing Foundation AT
I honestly believe that the climbing AT has been an unforgettable experience that led to the development in our skillset as Officer Cadets.
Not only did we gain a single pitch foundation qualification, but we also gained a plethora of personal, soft and hard skills. Acknowledging the various teaching methods by supervisors present, we initially began our climbing venture at Portland, Dorset, where the rocks were ‘friendlier’ to grip.
This primary encounter of the particular rockface helped us gain
confidence in our climbing motions, and most of all, formulate trust in one another, for example, as a belayer. The supervisors were hands-on in their teaching, which meant our learning experience was always exciting and practical. After consistently practising our climbing techniques at various rock types, we set off to climb in the Peak District. As well as the immensely gratifying emotion after reaching the top, the view of the Peaks from the top was no less remarkable.
This opportunity was a life-changing experience for me, as I would never have
had the opportunity to do so if it was not for CUOTC. My exposure to rock climbing has now illustrated my deep interest and passion for this exhilarating activity and has become an activity I am sure will continue to the distant future!
The constant support of one another on the AT was truly immeasurable, and the supervisors pushed us to limits
we never knew we had. All in all, the climbing AT was a golden opportunity for personal growth.
OCdt Bormon
THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER 13