In February half term a group of 33 cadets and 3 CCF staff deployed to Norway for a week of Nordic ski touring in the Haardanger Vida region. The plan was for three days of ski training followed by a three day expedition, with a night in a snow hole and a night in a mountain hut, but ,as we all know, plans rarely survive contact….
A ‘many hour’ delay on the M25 due to a crash meant that travel plans had to be reconfigured on the fly, and a reroute via an overnight stay in Oslo meant that the first session of training was rather shorter and done under floodlights. However, the significant challenges that this presented to staff, cadets and the in-country team from Adventure1 set the tone for the rest of the exped – nothing was going to stop them!
“This trip made me realise that while it may seem painful in the moment, afterwards you always see it as a great experience. This helps me to appreciate things more when I’m in the moment and not just when I’m looking back on it. The trip also helped me know my limits and how to push beyond them.”
After some fast paced training from the expert instructors, (thanks to Jerry, Bill, Paul, Glen, Brent, Topsy and Jim), it was time to prepare and head out on the three day expedition – a significant but achievable undertaking. The long, uphill first day tested both individual endurance and collective teamwork, especially hauling the stores pulk.
“The expedition was my favourite part because it really pushed me and helped me to discover what amazing things we can do when we set our minds to it. I never dreamed I would be able to make a snowhole without it collapsing on me let alone sleep in it and I am so glad that I was given the experience to learn a new skill but more importantly learn that if you put hard work and effort into that skill you can create something quite impressive.”
Building and sleeping in a snow hole/quincy, a ski tour in the wilds, and living and sleeping in close proximity in a mountain hut were all highlights of the expedition, as was the feeling of achievement (and hot showers) at the end… A common theme of the reflections was how the cadets got to know themselves and each other so much better:
“The trip has helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses by challenging me in tough conditions. It made me mix with others who I wouldn’t normally spend time with. It strengthened my teamwork and collaboration skills.”
“If people don’t find things as easy as you do, do all you can to help.”
“Getting to know different people whilst having fun learning a new skill in such an amazing environment – top!”
“Norway made me realise how lucky we are for this world as the sights were so amazing and made me
realise how thankful we need to be for these opportunities.”“It made me realise that pushing myself out of my comfort zone is very rewarding, and that I can achieve much more than I thought I could if I try hard and put my mind to it. More generally, I’ve learnt that you can genuinely have lots of fun even in tough/unexpected situations, and that it’s never as bad as it seems.”
“This is a fun trip, but it is not relaxing and easy. I think I am stronger now both physically and psychologically.”
And from a parent…
“It was an incredible experience and one that we would not have been able to access without CCF involvement. It has built G’s confidence, strengthened friendships and given him a real sense of adventure.“
Final reflections:
“I think that the trip has taught me not to give up so easily and accept challenges due to the massive rewarding feeling once it’s finished. Having this mindset will give me access to so much more in later life and I’m so grateful to have had this once in a lifetime opportunity. From now I will go into difficult situations positively and this should hopefully improve my performance in things and give things a light to them.”
“It has given me a newfound appreciation for nature, I felt an amazing connection to the natural world. This experience has made me realize the importance of preserving and protecting our environment for future generations, as it was heartbreaking to after seeing the magnificence of ten reindeers run past us in the mountains then see so many reindeer skins in the shops later. Cross-country skiing in Norway presented challenges that tested my physical and mental endurance, but it taught me perseverance as I learned to overcome obstacles like climbing steep slopes, and thick snow, and push beyond my comfort zone. This experience has shown me the value of resilience in overcoming challenges both on and off the mountains, and has encouraged my new target of revising more. Engaging myself in Norwegian culture and interacting with locals provided insights into different ways of life. From trying to make sense of their adverts to discovering local customs and traditions, I gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. (But I still can’t make sense of what all of those long-nosed troll figures being sold were about.) This experience has broadened my perspective and fuelled my curiosity about the world.”
And on a more pragmatic level from another cadet on how to improve the expedition for next time: “Leave with more time to spare for the airport. Also, add more chocolate cakes to the ration packs.”
