Page 82 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

80 THE MERCIAN EAGLE
Derbyshire ACF
Expedition Olympus Eagle
Maj John Pickering
Following 18 months in the planning and preparation stage saw 47 cadets, 18 Cadet
Force Adult Volunteers and 2 Cadet Training team members begin their expedition to Cyprus for a week of amazing opportunities
and challenging activities,
arriving at the UK airport with
their cases to hand, leaving the
UK on Saturday 22 October
2022 leaving behind all the
miserable weather to wake
up the next morning to a
beautiful clear blue sky, ideal
for the activities they face, all
were ready for their first day of
acclimatisation with visits to the
cultural locations and explore
Kolossi Castle and The Kourion
Archaeological Site, able to
experience the views over the sea, armed with their handbooks to capture the information.
The aim of the expedition was to provide the participants an opportunity to engage in activities unique to Cyprus, with the emphasis on outdoor pursuits and during the week the cadets and adult volunteers engaged in multi-activities and provided the staff and cadets opportunities to develop self-reliance, leadership and
alternative the leadership team were able to book the Fasouri Waterpark, which at the end of the week proved to be a most welcome activity for all.
In the evening they were able to enjoy a visit to the Garrison Cinema and the
teamwork.
During the week, cadets and
adults had the opportunity to participate in a Try-Dive Scuba Diving experience in the sea, which has been recorded using a GoPro camera. All have said it was a life changing experience and would love to do this activity again.
followed by a beach BBQ. The RAF and Resident
Infantry Battalion based in Cyprus engaged with the Cadets, spending a day being shown around their equipment and discussions about their role in the region, huge thanks to both teams for an amazing experience.
One opportunity was to visit the war cemetery and lay a
wreath, a solemn moment for all.
The end of the week gave an opportunity for all
to visit Pathos, to carry out a bit of shopping, visit
The expedition team had
provisionally booked the Mountain Adventure Park, but on inspection found that is was not suitable
for the age group of the cadets, however as an
I wouldn’t have been able to experience and see new things without the help of the Cadets. I have enjoyed every annual camp because we always do new and exciting things.
It was an amazing chance to attempt something new and exciting that not everyone is able to do outside of the exercise
Swimming pool, plus all had the opportunity to use the Go Karting experience.
Mountain biking was another huge success and during the week each group of cadets followed a medium to low level approved bike route, being able to ride through some amazing scenery, stopping at advantage points to take in the amazing views out to sea and over the cultural locations. At the end
of the week a group of cadets that demonstrated they had the ability were able to
complete the ultimate challenge of a 56 Km Summit to Sea route from Troodos Square to Tunnel Beach. An amazing time was had by all in the Episkopi
Garrison Swimming Pool, other activities included a well organised experience at the Garrison Water Sports Centre located at Tunnel Beach, including paddle boarding, boat trips and beach sports,
CADETS