“Venturing outdoors and in an area of the UK that I have never been was amazing! It brought me closer to my teammates and refreshed my mind” – Cadet Sergeant William Tano
On Friday 22nd July, cadets from East London left the big smoke for the Lake District to undertake a weeklong Adventure Training Camp. In addition to completing their 4-day Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition, they also pushed themselves far out of their comfort zone by taking part in some challenging activities.
Cadets on this residential week had never travelled to the breath-taking area of the Lake District and upon arrival were welcomed by the amazing scenery leading to their home for 7 days. A lodge situated in a valley in Hartsop, the cadets had never been so remote in the UK before. In addition, there was no Wi-Fi! A teenager’s worst nightmare… However, this encouraged the team members to bond and be creative.
Upon arrival. Something which is hard to get was a visit to the local Mountain Rescue Team. Due to their busy schedule especially during peak times, it is normally hard to arrange a visit however they were able to squeeze the team in! this was a priceless moment for the cadets to learn about mountain rescue and what to do in an emergency, vital especially as they were all beginning their expeditions the next day.
The first 4 days consisted of the Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition where cadets trekked the local mountains often covering over 15km a day. With a mixture of wild camping and the use of designated campsites, the expedition provided a real mix of what the great outdoors can provide. The award is a real highlight for any cadet as it provides a brilliant opportunity to make friends. It also challenges everyone, especially when there are challenges along the way which can often impact morale. The expedition section teaches young people to work closely as a team and no matter the adversity, to support each other and see the team through. These hard times most certainly bring the team together and cadets come away as better individuals. Sharing life experiences also boosts the friendships made and this was certainly the case for the cadets on this venture.
Many of the cadets had waited before covid to undertake their expedition and so was a much-needed break away from the busy city life. In addition to this, exams had just finished in schools and the opportunity to get into the countryside and away from reality for a few days was greatly welcomed.
Upon successful completion of the expedition, the cadets joined the crew of ‘Keswick Extreme’ to undertake some of the most challenging and hair-raising activities, Via Ferrata Extreme. All the adrenaline of rock climbing with the added excitement of Burma bridges, cargo-net climbs, and hair-raising ascents up exposed rock. Originally coming from the Italian word for ‘Iron way’ the Via Ferrata has its origins getting troops over the mountains of Italy during the war, now it’s an extreme way to see some of the most spectacular and hard to reach cliff sides and outcrops in the Lake District! Many cadets hesitated to undertake this challenge but as all aspiring leaders, they pushed themselves onto the first bridge and accepted the challenge. There were a few nervous screams from all and words of encouragement heard, which resulted in all team members completing the activity.
“I have never been so scared, but my teammates supported me throughout and if it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would have had the courage to complete the course. You really do value your friends at such hard times” – Cdt Sgt Nicole Mosquera
Following on from this, the cadets had the opportunity to jump in the waves at the Ghyll Scrambling. When visiting such a hilly area, it is an activity that has to be a ‘must’. Ghyll Scrambling, also known as Gorge Walking and Canyoning is one of the ultimate Lake District adventure activities. The instructor took the cadets on a journey down a steep and rocky mountain river, following the path of the water. they experienced rapid sections of the gorge, slid down rockslides, swam through bubbling plunge pools and even and the opportunity to leap over the edge of waterfalls. In the chaos of it all, with the water rushing over your head and instructions coming at you from all directions, this activity required quick thinking whilst facing many fears.
The whole week provided cadets with the opportunity to self-develop, both with confidence, independence, and resilience. As inner-city cadets, they’re provided with very few chances to venture out of their comfort zone and such opportunities provides room for growth and personal development. All the cadets on this residential successfully completed all aspects of the camp and came away with smiling faces and a pool of life experiences that they may very well have again. Such experiences can be costly, and the support of the Ulysses Trust and Air Focus Group has been greatly appreciated. Without such support, these events just wouldn’t happen. The smiling faces at the end of the week showed a huge ‘Mission Success!’.
Report by Sqn Ldr Chris Booty, Exped Leader
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of the Air Focus Group for supporting this expedition.
