Army Cadets Gold DofE Expedition Bavaria 2024
Overview
In August 2024, a group of Army Cadets embarked on an unforgettable adventure in Bavaria, Germany, as part of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) expedition. The group of determined cadets from different regions of the UK had the opportunity to participate in this challenging expedition amidst the stunning landscapes of southern Germany. There were 19 Gold DofE participants, of whom 3 were Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and 3 were staff cadets (over 18). They were supported by a team of 8 qualified CFAVs. The support team was a group of experienced Open Gold supervisors and assessors from across the UK: Scotland, Northern Ireland, North East England and Sussex.
Preparing for the Expedition
In April 2024, more than 35 cadets attended a 5-day selection event at Warcop in Cumbria. In challenging weather conditions, they undertook a 3-day self-sufficient expedition, which counted as their Gold DofE Practice expedition, as well as enabling the Directing Staff to select those cadets and CFAVs who best met the criteria to be selected for the main Bavaria expedition; cadets and CFAVs were selected on their preparation for this expedition, their attitude and ability to work as a team member, and their passion and interest in travelling to Bavaria. They also underwent training sessions to equip them with the essential skills needed for a successful and safe journey. This included a comprehensive kit session covering everything from packing the right equipment to understanding the importance of emergency procedures, and sessions on route planning, wild camping, and hygiene. Cadets learned how to select appropriate camping areas, ensuring they minimised their impact on the environment and respected the surrounding wildlife. Discussions on choosing suitable water sources and purification methods were vital for staying hydrated and safe throughout the expedition. They were also taught how to handle cooking in the wild, with demonstrations on using stoves and advice on choosing the best foods to sustain energy levels during their challenging journey. The staff also held a video conference briefing for all parents and participants approx. 4 weeks before the venture to field any questions or concerns there may be.
The Expedition Journey
Once selections had been made, cadets were given instructions on how to prepare for the Bavaria element of the expedition! They all travelled to London, where we convened to check passports and undertake final briefings, before sharing some pizza and then staying overnight at Whipps Cross CTC in London. After an early start, all cadets boarded the vehicles and we set off for Dover. We had a smooth crossing to Calais, and after around 12 hours of driving through Belgium, Luxembourg and into Germany, we arrived at our home for the week: the Haus am Brunnenbach, near Sonthofen.
Day One at the Lodge was a preparation day: cadets were split into teams of 6 or 7, and started to plan their routes between the available campsites in the area. They researched various topics for their Expedition Goals, and devised menu plans for their expedition. It was such a hot day (32 degrees!) that we waited until evening to go out for a walk around the local area to experience the beautiful landscape – and take lots of sunset photos! On our way back to the lodge we carried out some training on road crossing actions on emergency situations and communication.
Day Two: Terrain acclimatisation. In an attempt to escape the heat of the day, it was an early start the next day for our acclimatisation walk. We headed for the Riedberghorn, an easily-accessible mountain with fantastic views right across the area. After a couple of hours of climbing steep tracks, we reached the summit, where we rested and took some more amazing photos! Returning downhill was much easier, and we were soon back at the buses, and heading to the local supermarket to pick up the shopping for our expedition.
That evening, final kit checks were made, and we headed to bed early, ready to be up bright and early to head out on our expedition.
Day 3-6: Expediton Phase. Over several days, each team tackled demanding routes across Bavaria, testing their physical endurance and mental resilience. Highlights of the expedition included a visit to the beautiful Alatsee Lake, a shimmering body of water surrounded by picturesque mountains, the Pfronten Pier of Fear along with a passing visit to Castle Falkanstien, while others travelled to the Breitachklamm – a narrow gorge accessed by an exciting series of stairs and ladders!
Once the participants were on the ground and engaged on the expedition phase, it was time for Expedition Leader Lt Col Rab Lockhart to reflect on how we had managed to get to this stage. It is at this time that one can really appreciate and be thankful for all the hard work and effort that HQ Army Cadets SO2 DofE, Liz Green, and the rest of the team had put in to get us to help this trip happen. It is also time to take stock of how much support we had from our sponsor Ulysses Trust. We discussed how important the funding was for some of the participants, as it is likely that without this sponsorship, some would not have been able to participate, and it is perhaps those who struggle most who also have most to gain from the experience.
The team who support these events make a big commitment to the DofE and without their dedication, these events would not be a success.
One of the most memorable moments for many cadets was reaching the top of Breitenberg Mountain. The panoramic views from the summit provided a breathtaking reward after a challenging ascent. Staff Cadet CSM Nathan Woolliscroft from Derbyshire ACF, described the moment: “Reaching the top of Breitenberg Mountain and having panoramic views of Bavaria was my highlight of the expedition.”
The group paused for a short time to watch paragliders set up and take off down in to the valley.
One group also climbed up to the Bad Kissinger Hütte, an alpine lodge nestled high in the mountains, where they took in more of Bavaria’s incredible natural scenery. The expedition continued through the stunning region, with its rugged trails and awe-inspiring vistas, providing many opportunities for the cadets to test their navigational and teamwork skills.
At the end of the venture, teams were congratulated by their supervisors and assessors, before heading into the picturesque town of Oberstdorf for some souvenir shopping. A final Barbeque back at the lodge finished the expedition in style, and early the next morning the cadets were back on the buses for the long journey home.
Reflecting on the Experience
The expedition was a physical challenge and a cultural experience for the cadets. SI Ben Lawson, from Beds & Herts ACF, reflected on this aspect: “My favourite part of the trip, other than the amazing scenery and challenging routes, was engaging with the local people and their culture. While not fluent in German, I knew enough of the language to have conversations with people on our route, which I found rewarding and made me value these conversations more than I would at home.”
For many cadets, the expedition was an opportunity to push their limits and grow personally. Staff Cadet Sgt Kaitlyn Baker from Northumbria ACF shared how the experience boosted her confidence: “I feel more confident within myself after completing the expedition due to feeling anxious and just pushing through.” Meanwhile, Sgt Emma Holecova from Cumbria ACF expressed her gratitude for the opportunity: “I am grateful to have been able to experience something which I regularly take part in, in a new and challenging environment. It has been an amazing experience which I would recommend to everyone.”
Expedition Leader, Lt Col R Lockhart, commented on the impact of the trip on those who attended:
“To see all the participants grow in confidence, as the days go by, you can really see positive change happening, confidence growing and friendships blossoming. By the time these young people arrive back in the UK they have undergone a transformation, they have gained so much from this experience. A further highlight, on a personal note, after leaving the group and supervisor near the top of the Breitenberg Mountain, I had some rare time to myself to enjoy the scenery, to stop and soak up the experience, to appreciate what was going on around me: the cadet experience. That 20 minutes of solitude was a valuable time to smile and reflect on what we were all achieving. This was going to be life changing for some of the participants.”
The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition in Bavaria was an extraordinary experience for the participating Army Cadets. From breathtaking views and physical challenges to cultural exchanges and personal growth, the journey profoundly impacted all involved. The cadets returned to the UK with memories of stunning landscapes, newfound confidence, and a deeper connection to the great outdoors. Without the support of The Ulysses Trust, none of that could have been achieved. Thank you.
