The Expedition started at Dover Priory Train Station, but the learning experience started at the students’ home locations across the UK. Many of the cadets travelled independently by buses, and trains, or a combination of them, to get to Dover Train Station and, for most, this was the first time they had travelled independently, a scary prospect for both them and their parents, but an opportunity for the cadets to develop some independence and ownership for the expedition ahead of them. Like the majority of students, I left my house early Saturday morning, and started making my way to Dover. This included a bus journey, two trains and the London Underground with a large expedition holdall and a small backpack. I felt it was only right to make a similar journey to what I expected the cadets to make.
The Expedition was a 2 week package delivering Snowsport England ski qualifications to 60 novice and intermediate students, with a mixture of cadets and adult volunteers from across all areas of the cadet forces taking part. The aim of all cadet force expeditions is to teach students new skills while also developing social skills, encouraging future physical activities and building mental resilience.
Students were grouped by ability and the instructors began revising skills and teaching new skills to the more advanced groups, while the novice students were taught the basics. As a new Centre Manager, it was important for me to take part in the courses and I emersed myself in learning how to ski, and, over the 2 weeks, went from a total novice to a competent intermediate skier, skiing routes I never imagined possible for me. The beauty for being on the course was I got to watch students on day one crying from frustration at not being able to master a skill, to not just passing the course, but excelling well beyond expectation.
Below are quotes from cadets and adults:
“The Army Cadet Force has allowed me to become more comfortable in a team atmosphere and has opened doors to allow me to lead a team of my own which brings a variety of skills to use in the future. This CCAT course has allowed me to work on the finer details of my skiing with my instructor. So far I have made consistent progress throughout the week and been able to have an amazing once in a lifetime experience and make many new friends. It has also allowed me to speak to experienced instructors about one day becoming a ski instructor myself. I would like to thank the Ulysses Trust for their assistance funding this trip so cadets only had to pay a fraction of the cost, allowing more people to have great experiences.”
“Prior to this course I had only skied one week prior, where I had learned the basics. One week on with CCAT and I am now competent at parallel turning and confident at carving. I have made considerable progress, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. So much was included like kit, food, accommodation, lessons, transportation, lift passes etc and for the price charged it would be silly not to take the opportunity. I am very thankful to the Ulysses Trust for their support and role in allowing me to go on such a trip. I have made friends, memories and skill that will last a lifetime.”
“I have been a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) for 7 years with the Army Cadet Force. Last year I got the opportunity to complete a “Ski Leader” course which now enables me to teach Cadets and other CFAVs how to ski from scratch. Unfortunately, I was unable to consolidate my training by instructing a group of cadets in the same season that I qualified and CCAT offered me the opportunity to assist on “Cadet Ski” this year, in Bavaria. This has been a golden opportunity for me to gain experience at instructing and one which I have grasped with both hands. This week has been an absolute joy for me, I have been able to help both cadets and adults develop their skiing and to see them progress each day has been utterly brilliant and hugely rewarding. They have come down from the slopes each day with a buzz about them and full of stories and experiences shared – this is exactly why I joined the ACF and it is such a feel-good factor for all involved, including myself. I have come away with instructional experience and increased confidence in my abilities as a ski instructor, which I fully plan on utilising going forward on ACF organised ski trips. I understand that this year’s CCAT ski courses were at risk of not happening due to funding issues and that the Ulysses Trust has provided significant financial support to make them happen. This ensured that CCAT have again been able to offer a ridiculously cost-effective opportunity to ski – opening the doors to so many young people that otherwise wouldn’t get such an opportunity. So, I am very grateful to them for their support.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a cadet, and it has greatly influenced the early stages of my life and career. My cadet experience was significantly enhanced by Adventurous Training, both at the county level and at CCAT. Two years ago, I made the decision to come back and join the ACF as a CFAV to give back to the organization for the fantastic experiences I had and to help enable future cadets to enjoy the same opportunities by training and working towards instructor qualifications. Skiing is an activity I wouldn’t have attempted without the package offered by CCAT, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. The course has been challenging but highly rewarding. I’ve been stretched and supported throughout. Ski Cadet is a fantastic offering for both CFAVs and Cadets, and it wouldn’t be possible without support from the Ulysses Trust. Thank you.”
“I always find it hard to quantify what a student gets out of an expedition, it is always more than just learning a new skill. The personal development for these young adults and adults is immeasurable. They leave us at the end of their expedition excited about the future and further developing themselves and having gained the courage and confidence to do it! A quote used extensively throughout the 2 weeks was “you’ve got this, send it!” fine words of encouragement to their fellow students before attempting a ski run. A quote I’m sure I will hear many times in the future.”
