The Pioneer Secondary Academy CCF has used Adventurous Training (AT) to transform a failing school-based Cadet Force Unit into a thriving and successful unit with the expedition experience as a key driver in its success. The Academy is a new Sikh faith school located in Stoke Poges, Bucks. Its CCF was set up in 2017 but struggled in its first year and was on the verge of collapse. Ray Hague took over as Contingent Commander in September 2018 with only a handful of cadets. He re-launched the unit in January 2019. A new framework was established, and following the huge disruption of the COVID pandemic, an expedition to Snowdonia was proposed as a ‘game changing’ initiative.
The intention was that this inaugural expedition would act as a strong incentive for more cadets and adult volunteers to become involved. In June 2021 a Ulysses Trust grant was awarded, exceeding the unit’s request by £2,000 to ensure the expedition was more affordable and within reach of all those who wanted to take part. The grant gave the unit the boost it needed as the expedition was no longer a dream and preparations could now begin in earnest. Momentum within the unit continued to grow. A total of 12 exercises were undertaken in the build-up to the expedition, the majority of which had AT at their core. This helped build enthusiasm, maintain interest and ensure the unit was properly prepared for Snowdonia.
“I went out of my comfort zone and did things that I thought I would never do such as jumping in the water. I can’t swim but still challenged myself and took my chance to complete every single opportunity that has been given to me.”
Cdt L Cpl Nicola Chumber
In July 2022, 24 cadets deployed to Snowdonia with four adult volunteers. The cadets engaged in multiple challenging activities which stretched them out of their comfort zones. These included a two-day wild camping expedition and a canoe journey down the estuary for an evening beach campfire. These activities were designed to build resilience, teamwork and autonomy. Immediately following the expedition, the unit doubled in size to 53 cadets. This rapid growth was a direct result of the game-changing expedition. In summary, The Ulysses Trust has played a crucial part in helping to rejuvenate a struggling unit and has helped transform the lives of young people through its support of challenging outdoor activities.
KEY POINTS
- Pioneer Academy CCF was set-up through the Cadet Expansion Programme in 2017.
- The Trust supported 24 cadets and 4 adult volunteers with a grant for £5,796 in 2022.
- This Ulysses Trust-supported expedition helped reinvigorate a failing unit of 12 cadets to a successful unit of 53. Our continued support is helping this unit to grow stronger.
- Exercises were run over several months before deployment to prepare cadets for the challenges of Snowdonia.
Read the expedition report here.