This year saw Poole sea cadets once again take on its annual unit camp, a highlight of the year where most of the units 60 cadets get a chance to go away together something not often done. This year was extra special as it was the first time we tried a 4-day extended camp.
The aim was to grow leadership skills, develop adventurous training skills and bring the unit together as one. We also took on some of the successes from last year but equally threw in a couple of curve balls.Â
Thursday saw the cadets join at the unit, the normal hustle and bustle of getting kit ready was there but without the normal pressure of the night drawing in! The cadets then were taken to Poole Quay and much to their surprise ushered onto a ferry, this ferry then took them through Poole harbour round to Swanage where the normal mode of transport (minibuses) where there waiting for them. They were then driven the short distance to the campsite before then being tasked to make the camp. As the evening drew in, they were provided dinner, the win from last year in the form of the outdoor cinema was set up and they settled down for the evening.
Saturday saw a day of adventurous activity starting with a session on a giant paddle board, many races were had as well as other mini games. Lunch was provided as a picnic in Swanage before moving to Dancing ledge to take part in Coasteering, not many had done this before, but the team really bonded as they supported each other through the jumps and climbs. 4 volunteers also went with them including the CO! there were cave tours and the final big jump before heading back to came for another settled evening of campfire.
Sunday was the round robin day with cadets taking part in STEM, Raft building, bush craft or the showers!
STEM saw the cadets construct spaghetti bridge able to hold kilograms in weight before taking on paper towers all of which were able to support a human! they also build water filters to learn how water is cleared. Bushcraft taught them the skills to make small fires, tools and rope bracelets something enjoyed by all.
it’s been a few years since we have done raft building so it was hard to get the kit set up and ready to go. This was as popular as ever with a bush tucker trial theme cadets took on challenges in their rafts all points contributing to the whole camp competition. they were also (much to their delight) given the opportunity to have a well-deserved shower!
The final day (Sunday) was a cryptic theme walk where cadets needed clues to understand the next leg and ultimately form the sentence. They then returned to the camp to break camp before returning home. On their return the points from all the activities and the weekend were added up with the Green team taking first place.
A number of cadets oversaw some challenges including being away from home and having to pitch their own tents but all grew as young people developing skills that will support not only their cadet careers but also as the move into adulthood.
LC Freya said:
“I really enjoyed the coasteering, I overcame my fear of heights and the swimming in the caves was a fabulous experience.”
AC Charlie said
“Coasteering was fun, it brought out the adventurous side of cadets.”
AC Eve said
“The raft building was a really fun experience because I got to use all the knots while trying to tie everything together. It was really fun watching the people fall in… I stayed dry!”
Cdt 1st Freddie said
“Coasteering and the giant paddle boarding was really fun. I quite liked how to learn to tie the knots and the planks together when raft building. Mostly I enjoyed spending time with my friends watching the movie and toasting marshmallows by the fire. Can’t wait for next year!”
Cdt 1st Hannah said
“We grew together in our teams to complete the challenges which was fun. I liked collecting the stars on the rafts we built over the reservoir – it was tricky, and we all had a laugh.”
Once again there was a very successful camp which enabled the cadets to enhance their teamwork, develop friendships further and build on their leadership skills. I would say this has been the best camp for completing these important skill sets for some years with all the cadets able to enjoy the weekend.
