In July 2024, 94 personnel from Reading School CCF and supporting units undertook an incredible annual camp in Gibraltar.
The camp was a once in a lifetime opportunity for cadets to experience training in a completely different environment to the UK and the week was packed full of activities including Adventure Training, Fieldcraft, Ranges, Tri-Service Visits and Cultural Trips. This is the first time Reading School CCF has delivered an oversees camp and it certainly did not disappoint.
Ex VENTURER ROYAL proved to be a rewarding and enjoyable camp, with the heat and unfamiliar environment challenging even the most experienced staff and cadets. The walk from the airport to Devils Tower Camp – where they would be staying for the week, was an immediate reminder of how testing the week ahead would be in the heat. Gibraltar was a brilliant location for a cadet camp, given its ample adventurous training opportunities, unique training area (with use of the tunnels inside the rock) and military history – not to forget the incredible backdrop of the rock itself. The sailing trips encountered dolphins and flying fish, the fieldcraft exercise incorporated subterranean ops and the visits to local units allowed cadets to see a broader range of what the military has to offer. The cadets enjoyed the variety of activities the rock had to offer and developed skills in teamwork, leadership, resilience and confidence.
The camp had a positive impact on the cadets with Cdt RSM Benji F saying –
“There were exceptionally hot temperatures to contend with and challenging activities, but it was a truly memorable camp. It’s noticeable how many younger cadets developed significantly during our six days in Gibraltar and a big thanks to all the local support elements, especially The Royal Gibraltar Regiment Army Cadet Force, who’s help on fieldcraft was superb, as well as the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron.”
With the increasing financial pressures facing cadet forces, the funding provided by the Ulysses Trust was incredibly important for us to be able to deliver the Adventure Training element of the camp. The cadets experienced Sailing, Standup Paddle Boarding and RIB rides. This enabled all cadets that attended to achieve Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) 1 Star Adventure Training.
