Friday 16th – Sunday 18th September
Poole Sea Cadets is a large Sea Cadet unit of 60 cadets, each year we aim to get as much of the unit away for a weekend of adventurous training, team building and enjoying what Dorset has to offer. This year thanks to this grant we were able to take 40 of our cadets.
Our expedition took place in the Purbecks, Dorset not to far from the unit but still offers a new experience for our cadets. We complete this camp on the 2nd or 3rd weekend in September each year and on this occasion took us away from the 16th to 18th September.
The volunteer instructors who supported this expedition arrived on the site first to establish a messing (catering) tent and prepare the camp site for the cadet’s arrival later. The Friday saw the cadets arrive and they were issued with kit for the weekend.
They then set about pitching their tents for the weekend. For many this was the first time they had to complete this task but as whole unit course support was easy to find, and it was a real team effort. Through this evolution it was immediately clear of natural leadership from some of the older cadets, but it also gave an opportunity for newer adult volunteers to apply their skills to a large group of cadets an exposure they have not had before. The night in tents was also new for many and learning how to manage their kit in the small spaces was a steep learning curve.
The first full day kicked-off with a high ropes course hosted locally, This course challenged all the cadets and some of the supporting volunteers too, but was enjoyed by all. It saw an introduction to new kit required to scale the ropes course effectively and new techniques for the cadets to learn. This was followed by an afternoon of sea kayaking and paddle boarding that saw some cadets take to the water for the first time. They learned how to paddle in a straight line and gain confidence in their boats through some games. A tour down Studland beach is a dream for many and all the cadets enjoyed the opportunity to be on the water in such a magnificent location. Now more well versed in their accommodation, the cadets enjoyed a 2nd night under canvas after a whole unit BBQ cooked by the Commanding Officer!
The 3rd day saw the groups walk into the Purbecks testing their navigation skills and walking as a team. They enjoyed some fantastic weather and beautiful views into Studland Bay.
One of the cadets said, “this was the best camp we have ever been on”. Another cadet said, “the opportunity to complete the high ropes course was only possible due to the camp and it was one of the greatest experiences had.”
This short weekend has driven our cadets to look forward to next year’s camp and what we can do to increase the adventurous element with these new foundation skills. Our cadets are also one of the first groups to send post cards to the Trust’s donors which we sincerely hope they enjoy reading and encourage other groups to do the same.
From this weekend we know it has increased the confidence of many of our cadets and has also given them a chance to test their leadership skills in challenging environments. This AT weekend is looked forward to throughout the year, and we anticipate this will help with recruitment and retention.
It would not have been possible for many to attend or complete so many activities without the support of The Ulysses Trust and we are very thankful to them for enabling the weekend.
