Page 17 - Cadet Review Autumn 2021

On the 30th, we visited the Eden Project, an incredible scientific research facility in Cornwall dedicated to providing sub-tropical research environments right here at home and furthering the cause and education of people on our effects on the environment. Here, we worked with the staff learning about our own carbon footprints, the effects of climate change and how we could go about reducing its effects.
Day 6 and 7 proved to be by far the most difficult yet rewarding days of the entire trip: mentally, emotionally and physically. We spent these days with ShelterBox; an international charity that provide crucial emergency shelters to those displaced from their homes by natural disaster. Working with their team, they put us through our paces by challenging us with the realities of going to foreign countries to provide aid relief in a simulation exercise. During this exercise, we had to sleep in the same shelters that they provide to those truly in need, and during the night of the first day, we were tasked with a “firewatch”, which required at least two people to
be awake at all times, monitoring the campfire, throughout all hours of the night (practiced in their real expeditions in order to maintain camp security), which really added to the physical, mental and strategic challenge of the activity. Although this may seem harsh, or unnecessary, it was a crucial part
of the exercise in pulling us into the reality of it all. Being outside as the pitch black of night contrasted against the incredible clear Cornish sky bore witness to some fascinating stargazing. It was and will always be the most cherished and memorable moment
of the trip for me, as it provided a rare moment of reflection on the truly unique situation we all found ourselves in, hundreds of miles from home, with people brought together as strangers, and who I
now see as close friends. The second day we spent with ShelterBox saw us planning a reconnaissance mission to scout out appropriate camp sites to harbour those displaced by potential flooding in an emergency scenario; again, map and compass in hand, we navigated through the countryside, and found that many footpaths on the map didn’t really exist – something we learnt the hard way.
Working with their team, they put us through our paces by challenging us with the realities
of going
to foreign countries to provide aid relief in a simulation exercise
The group on the terrace at the House of Lords
Our trip concluded with 3 days spent with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, another local charity dedicated to conserving and monitoring the local marine and land-based environments throughout Cornwall. We learnt about the flora and fauna of the coast, and spent a day learning correct snorkelling techniques which we used for a marine biology survey, tracking the animals, plants and sub-surface geography along the coastline. On our third day
with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, we conducted a beach clean-up, and visited Looe Island; a private conservation area managed by the Trust that is only accessible by boat.
Despite our teary goodbyes, we would all meet again at the House of Lords for a meal, where the winner of the Westminster Award was be announced.
Lunch at The House of Lords was an incredibly event: with sunny weather and an amazing
three course meal, I had the opportunity to once again connect with everyone I met in Cornwall, together with mingling with some prestigious guests, including the host, Lord Lingfield Kt DL.
A presentation event followed the meal, and we
were all awarded our ILM Level 3 award in Team Leadership and Management certificates. Then followed announcements of the Lord Lingfield medals and the recipients of the Westminster Award. The Westminster Award went to Alex Coombe of
233 (Pershore) Sqn RAFAC for 2020 (delayed by the pandemic), and Amber Watkin of St John Ambulance Cobham Unit for 2021 (she may not be from Yorkshire, but is going to Leeds University).
The meal provided a very satisfying end to this journey that I’m honoured to have been a part of, and I have already enquired into becoming an ambassador for this incredible organisation, as I want to be a part of bringing this amazing opportunity to more young people in the future.
As mentioned, we did a lot of work with both ShelterBox and Cornwall Wildlife Trust. In order
to aid them to continue their critical missions in helping the needy and protecting the environment, we’re campaigning and fundraising. If you’re willing and able to donate, please do so here: https://buff. ly/3k5PE0I
Crossing the tightrope
bridge at Via Ferrata
The group at the Eden Project
CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2021 17