Poole Sea Cadets is a large Sea Cadet unit of 60 cadets and, each year, we aim to get 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 41 of our cadets. The unit doesn’t get to do many courses as a whole as spaces are often too limited. This is one of the few opportunities we have to group together as one big team and enjoy an experience together. It is challenging as it sees a massive movement of equipment but also benefits the cadets in building confidence for the cadets.
Our expedition took place in the Purbecks, Dorset not too far from the unit but still offering a new experience for our cadets. We completed this camp from the 15th to 17th 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. This year we were supported by some of the senior cadets on Friday which was a great opportunity for them to get involved with the adult volunteers and enjoy more responsibility. The Friday evening saw the cadets arrive and issued with kit for the weekend.
They then set about pitching their tents for the weekend which, for many, this was the first time they had done this, but support was easy to find, and it was a real team effort and the new location offered a different challenge for those who had attended before. 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.
A camp first was to try an outdoor film for some of the younger cadets which was a great success.
The first full day kicked off with rock climbing on the sea cliffs in the Purbecks. This challenged all the cadets and some of the supporting volunteers but was enjoyed by all. The long walk down to the ledges was exciting and then challenging on the return. Climbing saw introductions to new kit required to safely descend the cliffs and climb the walls safely and effectively. The cadets enjoyed learning new techniques many of which wouldn’t be experienced if they didn’t attend cadets. 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 delicious meal prepared in the galley tent.
The 3rd day saw the heavens open, and, having packed away as much kit as possible early to be ahead of the weather, the groups commenced various activities. They tested their navigation ability on a short walk, developed fire lighting and camp cooking skills as well as archery.
The camp was broken early due to the very wet weather which developed cadets’ awareness of how quickly the weather can turn and the importance of bringing the right kit! Some of the older cadets held back to support breaking down the equipment.
One of the cadets said, “climbing was a fantastic opportunity”. Other cadets said, “the new field set up was amazing”.
Another wrote a significant note stating “they enjoyed the challenge of fire lighting having to be patient and using new skills”
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.
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. With this weekend looked forward to for the year, 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.
