Following our roaring success in the early summer months, the City of London and North East Sector Army Cadet Force (ACF) recently conducted its first expedition leading directly into Annual Camp. This was made possible through the generous support of The Ulysses Trust. As the silver expeditions take an extra day than previous levels, this has to be done either during bank holidays or the summer. Logistically, we wanted to attempt to see if it was successful in delivering an expedition where the cadets can walk ‘into annual camp’ – for which we were extremely close (a small matter of a motorway in the way!)
Without this financial support, the expedition would not have been possible. The funding ensured that cadets could access camp sites, transport, and the logistical support necessary to safely deliver a high-quality expedition experience.
The Expedition Experience: Cadets embarked on their journey across the rolling landscapes of the South Downs, carrying full expedition packs and navigating challenging terrain. The experience tested their resilience, teamwork, navigation skills, and determination.
The first day brought particularly difficult weather conditions. Cadet Corporal W humorously described the start of the expedition:
“The South Downs were breathtaking. On day one the weather was practically monsooning — well, it felt like it! It was really terrible, but we were so thankful when it improved and then remained sunny for the rest of the expedition”
Despite the challenging start, cadets showed determination and adaptability. As conditions improved, the groups were able to fully appreciate the scenery and sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a demanding expedition.
Supporting Cadet Development: Participation in expeditions such as this is a vital part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme and plays a significant role in cadet development. The majority of participating cadets came from pupil premium backgrounds and, for some cadets, English is not their first language. Opportunities like this therefore provide far more than simply an outdoor experience.
The expedition helped cadets develop:
Confidence and resilience through overcoming physical and environmental challenges
Teamwork and communication skills while working together to navigate and complete the route
Leadership skills, particularly among senior cadets supporting their peers
Independence and self-reliance, as cadets managed equipment, navigation, and camp routines
Improved wellbeing and mental resilience through time spent outdoors in a challenging but supportive environment
For many cadets, experiences such as these can be transformative, helping them grow personally while gaining recognised achievement through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The Impact of Ulysses Trust Support: The support of The Ulysses Trust was instrumental in enabling this expedition to take place. Funding ensured that cadets could participate regardless of financial barriers, maintaining accessibility for those who might otherwise have been unable to attend.
Major Tooey, London District DofE Advisor, emphasised the importance of this support stating that:
“Without the support of The Ulysses Trust, we simply could not get these expeditions off the ground. Campsite costs in particular are a prohibiting factor, however we were also able to gain valuable additional advice from the trust to support us with getting access to funds for food and kit/equipment”
The ability to run an expedition immediately before Annual Camp also ensured that cadets completing their Expedition training prior to our main camp, thus they did not miss out on valuable training time.
Conclusion: The City of London and North East Sector ACF expedition was a significant success, providing cadets with a memorable and developmental experience in the South Downs. The expedition strengthened cadet skills, supported their progress in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and demonstrated the resilience and teamwork that the Army Cadet Force seeks to instil in young people.
This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of The Ulysses Trust. Their contribution ensured that cadets from a wide range of backgrounds were able to take part in a challenging expedition that will positively impact their development for years to come. The City of London and North East Sector ACF extends its sincere thanks to The Ulysses Trust for their continued commitment to supporting cadet opportunities and enabling life-changing experiences for young people.
