During the scorching heatwave of May Half-Term, eleven cadets and two Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers undertook a five-day adventure training camp with the Outward Bound Trust at their centre in Aberdyfi.
The week was focused around challenging the young people by pushing them out of their comfort zones through new adventurous experiences. In doing so the young people also learnt about themselves, developed leadership and teamwork skills along with resilience. The participants were encouraged to adopt an open mind and challenge by choice mentality as they worked together to complete the activities across the week, although the heat added an unforeseen level of challenge.
The camp commenced on a Monday morning with a coach journey from the Squadron to the Outward Bound Trust Centre, with there being several remarks about the heat despite the fact we started at 08:00 in the morning. After journeying along the winding roads of Powys and Gwynedd, with only one or two wrong turns, the group eventually reached the Centre, nestled into the hills above the estuary of the River Dovey. By the time we all stepped off the coach on that Monday afternoon, temperature records were being broken across the country and for us the temperature had reached a balmy 30 degrees. The Cambrian Coast felt more like the Mediterranean Coast. The cadets started with an orientation of the centre whilst also being introduced to the course goals, the activities and the challenges they would face in the coming week. After the orientation, it was time for the traditional first activity at every Outward Bound Trust Centre: the jog and dip. In our case it was more of a slow saunter than a jog, into the refreshingly cool estuary of the Dovey. Registering at a lovely 12 degrees, it provided a much-needed relief to the hot weather. In the water both the cadets and the CFAVs undertook several dips including in the form of a Mexican wave along with several other floating activities – just making the most of the cool water. A few brave cadets even tried the local seaweed that was floating alongside us in the river, they later remarked how surprisingly delicious it was.
“To begin with I really regretted signing up and was really nervous at the start. Then I made some great friends who supported me throughout the week enabling me to do the challenges and push through. I learnt about myself and had a good time.”
Cdt. L.
After the much appreciated jog and dip along with some dinner, the cadets sat down to do goal-setting for the week ahead. Having been briefed on the three aims of the course – developing leadership skills, improving teamwork, and evolving resilience through challenge – each cadet was encouraged to set a personal goal for the week. Some of the cadets then choose to share these goals with the group, and examples included challenging themselves to try something new, making the most of this unique opportunity by trying to leave their comfort zone, and attempting to overcome their fears. Once goals were set, there was time to start developing key skills for later on in the week, namely teamwork and navigation skills through an orienteering challenge, before the cadets were introduced to the activities for the week ahead.
“That was kind of fun, I did some new activities, learnt about myself, and pushed myself to overcome a fear. Didn’t like the heat though”
Cdt. Cpl. B.
The Tuesday dawned with the heat still ever present and no sign of it breaking anytime soon. After breakfast, the morning was focused on packing and preparing for the upcoming expedition, an activity designed to push the cadets far out of their comfort zone, by forcing them to navigate, cook and wild camp amidst the hills of Wales. Just before lunch there was time for a leadership challenge focused on developing communication and adaptability, as the cadets attempted to transport water along pipes from a bottle to a jug – although more water ended up upon the cadets then in the jug. Following the task, and once again to combat the heat; the group undertook a tidal float/swim in the Dovey Estuary. Entering the water from the beach at Aberdyfi, the group floated, paddled and occasionally swam their way back to the centre whilst being gently propelled along by the tide.
“I really enjoyed being in the outdoors and away from my phone. The camp kinda made me realise what I have been missing.”
Cdt. G. (sic)
Following the float and at about 16:00 in the afternoon we set off on the expedition, departing the centre via a minibus that dropped us off near Tan y Coed park, amidst the conifers and on a non-descript gravel byway. The cadets and CFAVs then set off winding up the hills and down into valleys, whilst wiggling through some of the old quarries that pockmark the Welsh countryside. For many of the group this was the first time that they had undertaken an activity like this, and so the going soon got tough, with the participants having to dig deep and push on despite the heat and the occasional remark of ‘Are we there yet?’ The challenge of the expedition was punctuated with some lighter moments, include the challenge of rescuing a boot that came off a foot and got stuck in the mud. Nonetheless through grit and determination the group eventually reached the campsite for the night, the remnants of an old quarry towards the top of Dyfi Bike Park. With stunning views, the group settled in for dinner before deciding to summit the nearby hill in the hopes of catching the sunset. The group decision to summit the hill, was not exactly unanimous and some were happier to climb the hill then others. Despite mumbling and groaning, the entire group reached the top of the hill in time for the sunset and were able to enjoy a wonderful view across the mid-Welsh hills.
“I absolutely hated climbing the hill, until I reached the top… then it was worth it, and I realised why I was doing it and that I could do it!”
Cdt. T.
Trudging back down the hill, the cadets and CFAVs returned to the campsite to bed down for the night. Due to the heat and in an attempt to reduce the weight of the rucksacks, the group had made the decision to forsake the tents, instead merely bringing sleeping bags and roll mats; undertaking a wild sleep. So beneath the dark blue sky, while the clouds scuppered any chance of stargazing, the group fell asleep to the sounds of the Welsh hills and a gentle breeze.
I had so much fun doing the activities, whilst also learning so much about myself, teamwork, and leadership. I didn’t know learning could be so fun.”
Cdt. B.
The group awoke on Wednesday about an hour after sunrising, the gentle breeze from the night before still blowing, providing some relief from the heat. While the coffee granules had been left at the centre much to the chagrin of the two CFAVs, morale remained high as the group set off on the return leg of the hike.
The group rambled from Dyfi Bike Part, to Bryneglwys Slate Quarry eventually turning down towards Abergynolwyn. About noon as the breeze dropped off, the group entered Nant Gwernol Gorge, seeking solace amidst the shade, running water and inspiration for the Isle of Sodor. Settling in the gorge the group elected to take lunch on the bank by a waterfall pool below the heritage train station of Nant Gwernol. After lunch each step towards Abergynolwyn seemed to make the rucksack lighter, and the mood brighter as the finish line came into sight. We eventually returned to the OBT Centre by minibus from Abergynolwyn about twenty hours after we left. We were smelly, we were tired, we were hot and bothered, yet we were also smiling. The expedition had been the greatest challenge of the week, and we’d smashed it. Everyone had been pushed beyond their comfort zone into their stretch zones, learning resilience, learning grit and determination. Yet before the much awaited and anticipated showers, bags had to be unpacked, kit returned to stores, boots polished and cleaned. Even when that was done, the temptation of showers was delayed again, as the group went straight into abseiling. Only after every cadet had completed the abseiling wall, were they allowed to shower… much to everyone’s relief.
“It was great to see them be kids, and get them into the outdoors whilst they learnt about what they can do. Whether they realise it or not they have grown, and achieved so much in a week.”
G. Bedford, C.I.
Following a well earned dinner, the cadets closed out the day with a leadership task, this time focused on processing information and delegation. They raced to complete twenty-five tasks within an hour, with these tasks ranging from having an individual wear five jumpers and trousers at the same time, through to creating an alphabet out of objects that they could find around the centre. The task prompted creativity and ingenuity, with a highlight being the GCSE Biology Revision Paper that apparently represented the letter Q. By the time the day ended, the cadets might have been tired, but they were smiling and absolutely enjoying the unique opportunity of this camp.
“The activities were good, the friends I made were good, the brownies were REALLY good. Oh and what I learnt will be really useful as well.”
Cdt. Cpl. A.
Tired from the expedition the previous day, Thursday saw a slower start to activities and the desire from the cadets to ‘wake themselves up.’ So in order to achieve that and again tackle the persistent heat, the cadets undertook a jetty jump into the Dovey Estuary. Working as a team, the cadets took it in turn to jump into the water from the main jetty in Aberdyfi. After the plunge into the salty water, the group returned to Nant Gwernol Gorge, although this time they forsook the path, ascending the stream itself in a gorge scramble. Together they gradually climbed, scrambled, crawled and hoisted their way up through the river, relishing the cold waterflow. On repeated occasions a group of opportunistic cadets took a moment to douse the CFAVs in copious amounts of water – much to the amusement of the group. Amongst the chaos and expectations of the world, and hectic nature of life, it gave the cadets an opportunity to laugh, giggle and act like children. The scramble concluded beneath Nant Gwernol Station, where only yesterday they had sought respite and lunch during the expedition. Whilst at the waterfall pool, the cadets were given the opportunity to swim, and do some waterfall jumping – as well as a final opportunity to douse the CFAVs in copious amounts of water. Sadly the joy had to end at some point, as the cadets squelched their way back down the footpath and the awaiting minibus to the centre. Although after drying off and a quick change, there was a moment to grab some ice cream, but there is no photographic evidence of this as it was consumed at great speed. Returning to the centre, and after dinner, the cadets partook in a campfire being given the opportunity to reflect upon what they had done and achieved over the past few days. They were encouraged to share these reflections, some of which are the quotations from the cadets that are scattered throughout this report. For the majority of the cadets this was their favourite day, they undertook an activity that they had never done before, which is truly unique to the Outward Bound Trust.
“I have learnt that I need to try not to worry about controlling everything, and trust others.”
Cdt M
The final day, Friday, started with a packing and cleaning extravaganza before there was an opportunity for further self-reflection and a review of the week. After which there was time for one final activity: the Challenge Wall, as the cadets attempted to get their entire team over the two walls (2 metres and 3 metres respectively). All of them completed the activity, working together to support one another and overcome the fears of the larger wall. Once the entire team had crossed each wall once, they were then given the opportunity to increase the challenge by attempting to climb and cross the wall in other ways of their own creation. The week and our time at the Outward Bound Trust Centre concluded with certificates and the traditional RAFAC end of camp paper plates being awarded. Before it was back on to the coach, returning along the wiggling roads of Mid-Wales back towards the Squadron. At which point the heat that had bothered us all week… finally broke.
“I’m sorry for complaining so much yesterday Sir. I didn’t realise that I could do it, and all you were doing was just pushing me to achieve. Now I know I can do it, and can do similar activities again.”
Cdt. H-S
It is always a challenge when attempting to quantify the impact that activities and camps such as this have on the young people involved, particularly in a short time frame. Without a doubt each participant on this camp was given a unique experience that they had never had before. Throughout the week all of them experienced moments of growth and development, whilst being challenged and learning skills of leadership and teamwork. Some of them have even started demonstrating these skills back in the conventional cadet set, as they are more willing to volunteer, more confident to undertake new challenges and more supportive of their peers, whether or not they realise they are doing it or not. To conclude, it is worth highlighting perhaps the most standout moment from the camp for the two CFAVs, and the above quote from Cadet H-S. On the morning of the second day of the expedition, the cadet sought out one of the CFAVs and apologised for their complaining the day before and closed mindedness towards the activity. It takes a lot of courage and personal strength for a young person to apologise based on their own initiative. The fact this camp made the cadet realise what they could do and gave them courage to apologise is indicative of the impact this experience had on the young people. An experience only possible due to the generosity of the Ulysses Trust.
“The camp was nothing like any other cadet camp that I have been on. The unique activities created a strong connection between us, it enable us to support each other whilst also pushing us to learn about ourselves, challenge ourselves, and grow.”
Cdt. Cpl. H.
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust for supporting this expedition. www.rafct.com
