On 07 April 2025, seven Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and twenty-eight cadets from Kent Army Cadet Force (ACF) embarked on an unforgettable expedition to the stunning landscape of North Wales. Their destination: Capel Curig Adventure Training Camp, located just outside the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed. For six days, the group immersed themselves in a challenging and rewarding multi-activity adventure training package – into the unknown!
The expedition was designed to develop self-confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills among the cadets. Over the course of the week, the group took part in a series of thrilling and physically demanding activities including:
- Hill Walking across rugged terrain, navigating through the beautiful yet unpredictable Snowdonia landscape.
- Rock Climbing, testing their courage and determination on natural rock faces under the guidance of professional instructors.
- Coasteering, where cadets scrambled along cliff edges, jumped into the sea, and navigated the intertidal zone – all while battling the elements.
- An unforgettable underground experience in a disused slate mine – an adventure like no other. In pitch-black darkness, cadets were challenged to abseil, climb, and navigate through the maze-like tunnels and chambers deep below the mountains.
Each of these activities pushed the cadets – and in many cases the CFAVs – beyond their comfort zones. What emerged was a noticeable growth in individual confidence, a stronger sense of teamwork, and the development of key leadership qualities that will undoubtedly serve these young people in their future careers, both inside and outside of the ACF.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated staff at Capel Curig Adventure Training (CCAT) for their warm hospitality and exceptional support throughout the week. A special mention also goes to RAW Adventures and their partners at Orange Mountaineering, whose expert planning and instruction ensured every activity was conducted safely, professionally, and enjoyably.
Most importantly, this experience would not have been possible without the generous support of The Ulysses Trust. Your financial assistance enabled us to offer this life-changing opportunity to all cadets at a significantly reduced cost, making it accessible to those who may otherwise not have been able to attend. On behalf of all the cadets, CFAVs, and parents – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
The response from parents and guardians has been overwhelmingly positive. Regular updates and photographs shared during the week allowed families to follow the cadets’ progress and adventures, with many commenting on the visible joy and excitement on their children’s faces. Here’s just a small selection of the feedback we received:
“Thank you for such an amazing experience.”
“Thank you SO much for giving the kids such an amazing experience! They are very lucky! I hope you had a good time too!”
“One cadet said he wants next year to come now so that he can apply again – best camp ever. To quote: ‘I had the best experience of my life.’ So wow, a huge thanks to all of you for making him so happy!”
“Thank you very much to you and the other staff for taking them and giving up your time to give them this opportunity! And for the updates/pictures. They appear to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves – and survived without much WiFi!”
As we reflect on the success of this adventure training package, we are inspired by the enthusiasm and growth shown by every participant. This experience has not only created lifelong memories, but it has also strengthened the cadet community and nurtured the leaders of tomorrow.
With sincere thanks,
Kent ACF Adventure Training Team
