Page 29 - 2011 AMA Summer

CADET CENTRE FOR ADVENTUROUS TRAINING (CCAT)
What is CCAT?
CCAT has been around for several years and was the initial brain child of Lt Col Mike Gerrish MBE. His initiative was to provide a base and the resources to deliver Adventurous Training (AT) courses for Adult Instructors and Senior Cadets in the Cadet Forces. CCAT was an instant success and continued to flourish throughout the subse- quent years.
So what is new?
In 2010, CCAT was re-structured to create a permanent HQ based at Capel Curig Training Camp, North Wales and estab- lished with a full time support team, Officer Commanding, CEO, RQMS, HTC Centre Manager and Admin Support.
What is different about having a
CCAT HQ?
Establishing a CCAT HQ provides a ‘one stop shop’ service for all ACF and CCF (Army) AT courses.
What is our aim?
The aim of CCAT is to provide a pathway for Adult ACF and CCF (Army) Volunteer Instructors to attain AT Leader, Instructor or Coach level qualifications in Mountaineering (Summer and Winter), Climbing (Rock and Ice), Canoeing (Open Canoe, Inland Kayak and Sea Kayak) and Caving so they can in turn deliver a broad range of challenging and imaginative AT activities in their units that will enhance the lifelong learning experience of the Cadet and boost Cadet recruiting.
The pathway starts with a Proficiency course, which can then lead to Coach or Leader training followed by courses offer- ing essential log book experience. Finally, when the individual is ready, Leader or Coach assessment can be undertaken.
CCAT also provides a myriad of Proficiency and Advanced Proficiency level Adventurous Training courses as a progres- sive pathway for Senior Cadets (16-18yrs).
Where is CCAT delivering the
AT courses?
The AT course programme is delivered in 5 locations so that it has a footprint in all the main UK mountain regions: the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales based at Capel Curig Training Camp, Lake District National Park based at Halton Training Camp, Scottish Highlands based at Dingwall, Ross-shire. CCAT uses Bavaria for all ski- ing courses and the French Alps for Alpine Mountaineering and Canoeing courses.
What courses are available?
CCAT provides a broad range of centrally organised courses for both cadets and adult instructors. These include:
• Cadet Proficiency and Advanced Proficiency. 5-day courses in rock and winter climbing, summer and winter mountain walking, kayaking, open canoeing, sea kayaking, caving, alpine skiing and ski touring. DfE Gold expe- ditions.
• Adult Instructor Proficiency and Advanced Proficiency. 5-day courses in rock and winter climbing, summer and winter mountain walking, kayaking, open canoeing, sea kayaking, caving, alpine skiing and ski touring. *These adult courses are conducted over two weekends in recognition of the difficul- ties experienced by many adults in get- ting time off work during the week.
• Continuous Personal Development (CPD) courses. A variety of CPD cours- es will be available to assist adult instructors preparing for NGB leader/instructor/coach qualifications and will include the opportunity for additional logbook experience plus technical training focussed workshops. These CPD courses will be conducted during weekends spread throughout the year.
• Expeditions. In Scotland, we carry out mountaineering (classic ridges), sea kayaking (Skye), inland kayaking and open canoeing (classic rivers) and rock climbing. In the *French Alps, open canoe, inland kayak, and alpine moun- taineering are carried out and in Spain, rock climbing. In Norway, we run ice climbing expeditions.
• National Accredited Leader/Coach qualification courses. These are open to all those over 18, except where annotated, who wish to gain National accredited (MLTE, BCU, MBLA, and Snowsport Scotland) qualifications.
Is there a cost?
You are required to pay a small cost for the AT courses, usually £35.00 for five day Proficiency courses and up to £40.00 for NGB courses. Expeditions in Bavaria and France require a higher personal contribu- tion. Financially, CCAT courses are fantas- tic value for money and are a fraction of the cost incurred by booking a course through a commercial provider.
Where do I get the information about the courses and how to apply?
It’s easy. Log on to the website: www.armycadetadventure.info where you will find the programme of CCAT courses and the course booking form, log onto WESTMINSTER or speak to your County AT Officer (CATO).
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