Page 18 - Cadet Review Autumn 2022

SWY Wing ATC
OUT AND ABOUT
WITH MIRFIELD
AIR CADETS
Towards the end of July members of 868 (Mirfield) Squadron Air Cadets literally took to the hills during a weekend of adventurous outdoor activities.
A party of 17 cadets settled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales for a weekend camp at Gearstones Lodge just one mile from the Ribblehead Viaduct. The cadets were kept busy with activities throughout the weekend including walking, caving and canoeing in Canadian style canoes.
They were divided into groups according to standards of training and experience and whilst all did the canoeing and caving, one group prepared for and were assessed for the Bronze National Navigation Award. Another group faced the challenges of walking up Whernside, the highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales.
Despite some wet conditions at the start, the weather brightened up and was fine for most of the activities. The cadets’ enthusiasm was certainly not dampened and a thoroughly good time was had by all. Reflecting on his experience of the weekend Shaun Mitchell said “Walking up Whernside showed off some of the beautiful views that the countryside could offer. I really enjoyed Caving on the first day. This was because at first I was not sure if I would like
the enclosed space within a cave. During the activity I came to realise that the cave was not as small as I was imagining this helped me enjoy the activity more and the challenge of moving forwards was what made the activity really fun.
Canoeing was enjoyable and everyone had fun with it. The nice sunny day made the activity even more enjoyable. Overall, I found the camp very enjoyable as it allowed me to experience new and interesting activities.”
Squadron Commander Flight Lieutenant Peter Doubell added “we have run this camp most years in recent times, and it has always been thoroughly enjoyed by both the participants and staff. It’s always good to see a different side to the cadets which really comes out when they are faced with some of these physical challenges.”
18 CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2022