Page 16 - Cadet Review Spring 2023

HSY ACF
and the cadets headed to Go Ape for some adventures in the trees. They also took part in an ‘Expedition Weather Masterclass’ where they worked in teams to come up with alternative plans for a day’s expedition based on changing weather conditions.
Our pitch at Cobleland Campsite was located
on the bank of a small river, which inspired an improvised fishing competition in the evenings, much to the glee of Captain Richard Summers, Captain Mike Johnson and SSI Mark Murphy.
[I’ve never fished before but I’ve now caught 7! – Cadet Kyra Morgan-Douthwaite].
On our final day of expedition, we re-joined the West Highland Way, this time northbound, in order to complete our adventure with a climb up Conic Hill (361m). Just before the summit, and as the fog cleared to reveal stunning views over Loch Lomond, we took the opportunity to present three promotions to (now) LCpl Zak Benson, and Cpls Max Donnelly and Will Pybus. A small final push took us to the
A small final push took us to the summit where we were gifted break in the weather
summit where we were gifted a break in the weather for a couple of minutes to get some great photos. Our junior cadets then began their descent, while the seniors stayed at the top to do some micro navigation exercises and complete the last part of their 4-Star navigation assessment.
Our final evening saw the cadets scoffing down BBQ food followed by an improvised game of cricket using walking poles and an inflatable ball. This was followed by presentations of patches for their rucksacks for successful completion of the expedition and the ‘Wilderness Warrior Award’ was presented to Cadet Patrick Wright – the cadet the whole team felt embraced the experience to the fullest over the course of the week.
This expedition was initially planned as a one-off. However, having seen the impact it had on the cadets who attended, we now hope to run a detachment expedition every two years and plans are already in the works for 2024.
Adult Leadership and Management Course
By Sergeant Diane Allen
The week commencing on the 11th of November I arrived at CTC Frimley Park full of trepidation ahead of my Adult Leadership And Management (ALM) Course.
The home of the Army Cadets training since 1959, I was greeted by an absolutely stunning house based on truly beautiful grounds, but still nervous! Once everyone had arrived we met our Instructors, and got started.
The course itself certainly isn't for the faint hearted - with early starts and late finishes, lots of information, plenty of assessments and at times hard going, but the elation having passed is most definitely worth the long hours and the hard work. We were taught everything we needed to know and more to run a successful detachment from its paperwork, policies to adhere to, to dealing with individuals such cadets, parents etc.
We had some truly amazing speakers to come in, including those that write the very policies we adhere to, the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA), Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) as well as representatives from the Army itself. We were taught the most up to date information and many myths were dispelled.
It was amazing to meet so many adult volunteers, regardless of rank, from so many different Counties, Brigades and Sectors of the ACF and whilst we most certainly all worked hard, we were extremely supportive of each other.
For those thinking of attending I would say go for it, be prepared to put the work in because what you put in, you'll get out of it!
16 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2023