“The best thing about being on the boat is meeting new friends and working with them” – Cpl G From 13th to 21st July 2025, 12 cadets and 2 CFAVs from Cumbria and Lancashire Wing Air Training Corps, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, completed their tall ship sailing expedition. They sailed from North Shields to […]
Ocean Youth Trust North – Tall Ships Race 2025 Read More »
Eight British Army reservists have returned from a high-adrenaline adventure training expedition in the United States, having earned internationally recognised skydiving qualifications and pushed their physical and mental limits in the skies above Southern California. Exercise EAGLES SPEEDSTAR, held from 19 June to 8 July 2025, saw personnel from 299 Parachute Squadron, 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment & Royal
Eagle Speedstar 2025 Read More »
In 2024, the first Expedition Tiree Tiger was undertaken. It was planned as an expedition with a difference. An expedition not only to explore and experience a remote island in the Inner Hebrides but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on its environment and community. However, it turned into something much bigger –
The Bronze DofE 2025 expedition weekend involved cadets from 1228 (Louth) Squadron Air Training Corps taking part in a training and practice expedition in the Lincolnshire Wolds in July 2025. The purpose of the weekend was to prepare cadets for their Bronze DofE assessed expedition, scheduled to take place in September 2025 (26–28 September), by
Between the 20th and 27th July 2025, 16 personnel, including 2 instructors, 2 SMF Continuation candidates and 12 students working towards their SMF qualification, took part in Exercise Slim Birds, a summer mountaineering expedition through Iceland’s renowned Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails. With over 75 km of hiking and significant elevation gain, the exercise pushed individuals
Cadet Slim Birds 2025 Read More »
Four Devon Army Cadets and 1 Cadet Force Adult Volunteer have enjoyed a five-day sailing expedition aboard the historic sailing vessel the Boleh, navigating the Solent as part of their Royal Yacht Academy (RYA) Competent Crew training. The journey, which began in Haslar and included stops in East Cowes, Southampton, Lymington, and a last night meal
Pellew Splash 25-02 2025 Read More »
Petty Officer Cadet E O from TS King Alfred took part in in the Tall Ships Race 25 2025 and described the experience in the following report: As part of a group of 18 Sea Cadets, 6 CFAV’s, 2 serving Royal Naval Officers and a team of Sea Cadet staff including Naval veterans from all
Tall Ships Race 25 2025 Read More »
In July 2025, a joint team from 158 Regiment RLC and 2 Battalion REME embarked on a demanding 14-day Adventurous Training (AT) expedition through Morocco’s breathtaking but unforgiving Atlas Mountains. Working side by side with members of the Moroccan Armed Forces and Gendarmerie, the team tackled a series of strenuous hillwalking routes in extreme weather
Dragon Steeleback 25 2025 Read More »
Following on from the success of ALPINE VENTURE 2024 where we got four RAF Mountaineering Association (RAFMA) personnel through their Alpine Mountaineering Foundation (AMF) course, I offered to lead a similar trip in 2025. Those plans changed a bit when the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Mountaineering Club (RN&RMMC) started planning a Tri-Service trip to
Alpine Venture 25 2025 Read More »
The Ulysses Trust is pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries to Officer Cadets, Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who are aged 18-25 to attend the Royal Geographical Society’s (RGS) Explore event 31 October- 2 November 2025 at the Royal Geographical Society, London. We also have a special discount code for cadets who
Twenty DofE participants from throughout Norfolk & Suffolk Wg of the RAF Air Cadets and a team of six staff joined forces to run the largest (since I have been in post) Wing DofE gold expedition to the Brecon Beacons in July 2025. The expedition consisted of three teams, two undertaking their qualifying (assessed) expedition,
Wing Gold DofE Exped 2025 Read More »
Earlier this summer, seven officer cadets from the Manchester and Salford Universities Air Squadron took part in Exercise IRON ROAD – a week-long mountaineering expedition based in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. With support from The Ulysses Trust, the team tackled some of the Dolomites’ most dramatic Via Ferrata routes, building resilience, leadership, and technical climbing skills
“You can train for a storm in a textbook, but nothing prepares you for the reality of being inside a tent that feels like it’s about to be torn apart, thousands of miles from anywhere… You are completely reliant on the person next to you. That experience alone was worth the entire trip.” – LCpl
Thanks to the generous support of The Ulysses Trust, thirty Sea Cadets from across London Area, accompanied by ten Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, recently took part in a demanding and rewarding adventure training weekend in the Peak District. This weekend gave the cadets the opportunity to experience caving as well as hillwalking and campcraft. This
Peak Caving 25 2025 Read More »
Thirty four Silver and Gold DofE participants from Giggleswick School CCF travelled to Garelochhead Training Camp, Scotland in the first week of their Easter holidays. Accompanied by five instructors and five CFAVs the aim was to complete their training and expedition practice for the Award. Days 1 and 2 – Training: In the local area
Northern Jacobite Venturer 2025 Read More »
In late May 2025, forty-seven cadets from the Greater London South East Army Cadet Force embarked on a transformative expedition to North Wales, based out of the rugged and remote Capel Curig Training Camp. The week-long multi-activity adventure was made possible thanks to generous support from the Ulysses Trust, whose funding helped open the outdoors
Cockney Venturer Novice 12 (2025) Read More »
The IOD Sea Cadet Unit is a Schools Unit based on the Isle of Dogs, East London where, in the past, most cargo trade was transported by Thames Barges plying their trade on the Tidal Thames. We decided for our first residential trip to sail on the Blue Mermaid Thames Barge from the River Blackwater
Isle of Dogs Thames Barge Residential 2025 Read More »
Exercise ITCHYFOOT is the pinnacle adventurous training activity that Essex ACF runs annually for cadets in the Peak District. It is celebrating its 30th year and from humble beginnings has become the ultimate AT event in the Essex calendar. We are extremely grateful to have received a grant from the Ulysses Trust to assist with
“This trip made me realise that I can keep going even when I think I can’t, and that I am much more capable than I thought I was. In future I will be less nervous to take new opportunities because I am more sure I can do it.” In February half term a group of
Canford Norway 2025 Read More »
Ex CADET HIGHLAND SISTERS the recent Regimental Adventure Training (AT) expedition trekking the Affric Kintail Way (74 km) followed by day in the mountains of Kintail (10 km). The exercise aims were threefold, to provide Officer Cadets (OCdts) with an introduction to AT through a mountaineering expedition, deliver Summer Mountain Foundation (SMF) to novices and
Cadet Highland Sisters 2025 Read More »
EX BLUE LOBUCHE saw twelve Oxford UOTC OCdts deploy to Nepal 31 Mar-24 Apr 2025, five of whom summited Lobuche East (6119m) via an alpine climbing route. 31 Mar – 4 Apr 2025: Following a 60hr delay for fixed-wing flights into Lukla, and with no prospect of immediate improvement, the expedition used all the contingency
Blue Lobuche 2024 2025 Read More »
In May 2025, a group of Sea Cadets from Hebburn Sea Cadets and RMCD embarked on a week-long voyage along the rugged Northeast coastline aboard a training vessel operated by the Ocean Youth Trust called the James Cook. The expedition was funded by the Ulysses Trust. This was not just a journey across the sea;
Exercise NORTHERN MIDDLETON ADVENTURE was a 150 Regiment RLC Adventure Training package delivered based out of Capel Curig, North Wales. Participants from across the Regiment took part in kayaking, mountaineering and mountain biking in an effort to challenge individual goals, implement Army Leadership and Resilience Training (ALeRT) and enhance the opportunities for Army Reservists to
Northern Middleton Adventure 2025 Read More »
The Ulysses Trust is delighted to announce the generous donation of £10,000 from Cambridge Management Consulting, an international consulting firm. This contribution will directly support cadet units across the UK to deliver adventurous and challenging expeditions to army, air and sea cadets. The donation was marked by a formal cheque presentation at Cambridge MC’s London
210MMR headed across the Irish sea on 7 June 2025 with a party of 20 SPs for an adventure training exercise in the Highlands of Scotland. The week concentrated on climbing Munro Mountains every day, which are peaks over 3,000 feet. The week was arduous and challenging, testing every single soldier in some way whether
Munro Challenge 2025 Read More »
Introduction: From the 11-21st June 2025, a team of 12 students and 2 instructors embarked on Ex Crystal Traverse, completing the Tahoe Rim Trail in Nevada and California, USA. This was a journey of 275km and over 8000m of elevation gain which was covered over 11 days. The group was entirely self-sufficient, carrying all food
Crystal Traverse 2025 Read More »
Summiting Mera Peak: A Life-Changing Experience for Army Reservists from 103 Regiment Royal Artillery In May 2025, a team of Army Reservists from 103 Regiment Royal Artillery returned from a three-week expedition to the Nepalese Himalayas, having successfully reached the summit of Mera Peak, which at 6,476 metres is Nepal’s highest trekking peak. The expedition,
Northern Nepal Warrior 25 Read More »
Staffordshire and West Midlands Army Cadet Force (North Sector) conducted an overseas sub aqua diving expedition, Malta Splash, in May 2025 with 8 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and 14 cadets (15-17yrs). The expedition primarily took place in the St Paul’s Bay area of Malta with travel to different venues to complete the diving. Aim:
From 24th-30th May 2025, Pocklington Detachment, Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF, embarked on a 7-day expedition to Northumbria. With 10 cadets and 5 adult volunteers, the expedition aimed to test and enhance key navigation and expedition competencies at 1-, 2-, and 3-star levels, as well as to complete the expedition section of the Bronze Duke
Pocklington Expedition 2025 Read More »
On Monday 07th April 2025, intrepid Air Cadets from 1244 (Swindon) Squadron set off from Swindon to the Outward Bound Centre at Ogwen Cottage, North Wales. The group comprised a mix of young people between the ages of 13 to 16, from a very wide range of backgrounds and experience; for a few, it was
Outward Bound Expedition 2025 – 1244 Squadron RAFAC Read More »
During the Bank Holiday weekend of 02 – 05 May some 140 cadets and 46 staff from Trent Wing RAFAC descended on Barn Farm Campsite at Birchover in the White Peak for the first Trent whole Wing DofE Expedition weekend since Covid. The weekend followed the successful format run by Derbyshire Sector over the past
Derbyshire Sector DofE 2025 Read More »
TS TIGER, Leicester Sea Cadets, is a unit which forms part of the Sea Cadet Corps, a youth organisation for young people aged 9 – 18 years, based on the traditions and customs of the Royal Navy. Cadets are trained in disciplines on and off the water such as first aid, catering and water sports,
Leicester Paddle Instructors 2025 Read More »
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest this year with the UK’s first mixed gender military team. The eight-person team, with two supporting medical staff, placed two members of the regiment on the top of the world on the 19th of May at 08:43, marking the culmination of the HAC’s
Cockney Vambrace Pinnacle 2025 Read More »
10-11 Mar 25: Our journey began the early hours of a cold, dark Monday morning when we arrived at our RHQ in Glasgow having either flown from Belfast or crossed Scotland from our Squadron locations. We paired up with our tent buddies to share poles and canvas, have a final rummage through our ration packs,
Northern Patagonia Penguin Read More »
In February half-term ten cadet NCOs and two staff made the long journey north to the Cairngorms, with the aim of experiencing the joys and challenges of the Scottish mountains in winter. The underlying philosophy was to run things as an expedition in order to further develop the NCOs, with the cadets having their own
Canford Cairngorms 2025 Read More »
Between the 12th and 17th April 2025 Hereford and Worcester ACF (HWACF) took part in Exercise Forest Adventurer, which was a 6-day multi activity package delivered in the Forest of Dean and Abergavenny. On this occasion we opted for a number of activities that the cadets may not have engaged with before and so used
Forest Adventurer 2025 Read More »
From 21 Feb to 2 Mar 25, the Army Mountaineering Association (AMA) held its annual Scottish winter mountaineering and winter climbing meet. It was based out of Norwegian Lodge, a fantastic (MOD owned) hut on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park not far from Aviemore. 21 members of the AMA took part, from across
Northern AMA Winter 2025 Read More »
Suffolk ACF – Adventure Training Snowdon – Easter 2025 Intro “The view is amazing!” Cadet L/Cpl Allison Hales, on reaching the summit of Moel Siabod and witnessing an unforgettable cloud inversion. Over the Easter break, 48 cadets and 10 adult instructors from Suffolk ACF took part in a challenging and rewarding Adventure Training week in
AT Wales Easter 2024 2025 Read More »
COLNES Silver Practice and Qualifying Expedition The City of London and North East Sector has been building our presence in the DofE award for the last three years – from little acorns grow mighty oak trees! Our focus over those years has been the bronze award and getting Cadet Force Adult volunteer support for the
Silver DofE Expedition South Downs 2025 Read More »
7th-11th April 2025 | RAF Air Cadets Visit Ogwen Cottage, Gwenned, Wales 24 Cadets from 1105 (City of Winchester) and 1244 (Swindon) RAF Air Cadets reach new heights on adventure training course 1105 (City of Winchester) RAF Air Cadets As a Squadron we have been lucky enough to attend Outward Bound courses for several years,
Outward Bound 2025 Read More »
Cadets Rise to the Challenge in Transformative Duke of Edinburgh Expedition In a remarkable display of determination and teamwork, cadets from Penistone Grammar School CCF (PGS CCF) in Bravo, Alpha, and Charlie Troops recently completed a series of expeditions as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award journey—each group facing unique challenges that tested their
PGS CCF AT + DofE Bronze 2025 Read More »
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets joined forces from across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Middlesex to take 4 gold and 1 silver group to the Peak District to complete their expeditions. The event involved 31 Air Cadets and 7 staff members from across all these areas. The support of the Ulysses Trust was essential to
Gold Dofe Exped – Herts Air Cadets 2025 Read More »
AN EAST COAST ADVENTURE WITH WALTON SEA CADETS April 7th-11th 2025 A group of Walton Sea Cadets experienced a voyage onboard the Bermudan Ketch ‘The Faramir’ this April. Eleven young male and female cadets, aged between 12 and 15, took part along with two Adult Volunteers from Walton Sea Cadet Unit. These cadets had little
Offshore Voyage on Bermudan Ketch ‘Farimir’ with The Cirdan Trust 2025 Read More »
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
This expedition comprised the pinnacle of the snow sport social mobility charity Snowcamp’s three tier pathway, the Excel programme. Cadet Alhagie had completed the two day First Tracks course at the Tamworth Snow Dome during the summer holiday in 2024 where he had his first introduction to snowboarding. He then went on to complete the
Snow Camp Venturer 2025 Read More »
The Ulysses Trust is proud to announce the publication of our Impact Report Ed 33. Since 1992, we have supported over 44,000 cadets and reservists to undertake more than 3,100 expeditions. The Impact Report contains a detailed summary of our work and how this compares to previous years. In terms of results and in comparison
The Ulysses Trust Impact Report Ed 33 Read More »
Ex SNOWDAGGER was a weeklong Exercise in March 2025 to Rjuken, Norway, for Support Force personnel experiencing all things cold weather. From Nordic and Alpine Skiing to marine style winter survival, mountaineering and ice climbing. The team also took time to experience the military history of the area, learning about the “Heroes of Telemark and
In a bid to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets Adventure Training Support team, Exercise Coach Development 2025 was launched. This expedition aimed to support a team member in completing a series of assessments by a Paddles Up Training National Trainer, enabling them to deliver the British Canoeing Awarding Body Coach
Coach Development 2025 Read More »
Intro: During the first week of the Easter school holiday 2025, 14 cadets from the Churcher’s College CCF along with three CFAVs undertook three days of Adventurous Training in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales. The cadets, all in year 10, were a combined group of Navy, Army and Air Cadets from Churcher’s College and their
Easter AT Camp 2025 – South Wales Read More »
On Wednesday 7 May 2025 we hosted a special event at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) to meet our special guests and Ulysses Trust ambassadors, Dr Amelia Wendy Searle and Louis Rudd MBE. Our guests were greeted by Sea Cadets from London Area Sea Cadets Adventure Training-LASCAT who escorted the guests into the venue. Following
Exploring New Horizons Event – 7 May 2025 – HAC Read More »
Our expeditions do more than build resilience—they inspire action for our planet. By embracing eco-friendly travel, zero-waste practices, and hands-on conservation, cadets and reservists gain firsthand insight into climate change and environmental protection. These adventures foster leadership, deepen appreciation for nature, and spark lasting commitment to preserving our world’s precious resources. The evidence from our
Cadet & Reservist Expeditions: Shaping Environmental Champions Read More »
A new report has revealed what many in the world of adventurous training already know—experiences like those offered through cadet forces can be life-changing for young people. According to The Impact and Value of School-based Cadet Forces in the UK, published by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the University of Northampton, joining a
The Impact and Value of School Based Cadet Forces in the UK Read More »
This expedition involved chartering a Challenger round the world racing yacht through the Tall Ships Youth Trust for a five-day voyage in and out of Portsmouth. Ten cadets, a cadet force adult volunteer and female chaperone from Tile Cross Academy took part. Tile Cross Academy, in Birmingham, is the fifth most disadvantaged secondary school in
Tall Ships Venturer 2025 Read More »
Ex COCKNEY SAILOR XLIV, XL and XLVI were three University of London Officer Training Corps (ULOTC) offshore sailing expeds run in the Solent across consecutive weekends. Each weekend involved 2 yachts with ULOTC officer cadets (OCdts) onboard sailing from Gosport into and around the Solent.One of the yachts was used to run an RYA Competent
Cockney Sailor XLIV, XLV & XLVI Read More »
Introduction: The Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force conducted its biennial Norway Winter Exercise/Exchange with HV02 District Oslo and Akershus at Haslemoen Training Camp (Innlandet, Norway) over 14th to 23rd Feb 2025 with 10 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) and 29 Cadets (15 – 17yrs). Aim: The primary aim for running the exchange is
Venturer Stag XXVI 2025 Read More »
Exercise COCKNEY GLIDE was an Army paragliding expedition to Andalucia, Spain, undertaken in early March 25. The expedition was based in Algodonales, a historic hill town, perched on the edge of the Sierra Grazalema national park. Six hundred metres above the town towers the Sierra Lijar – a superb paragliding mountain that enables flying in
Cockney Glide 2025 Read More »
Ex CADET HIGHLAND EMU 25 was a Winter Mountaineering exercise conducted from Kinlochleven Training Centre in the Scottish Highlands at the beginning of January 2025. The exercise delivered the five-day Winter Mountaineering Foundation (WMF) course to 14 Officer Cadets and offered continuation training for the six participating instructors. The exercise was initially aimed at East
Cadet EMU Highland 2025 Read More »
Online Talk – Monday 12th May 2025 In celebration of World Mental Health Week, Speakers for Schools in partnership with The Ulysses Trust hosted an inspiring talk with Sally Orange MBE—former British Army Major, multi-record-breaking adventure athlete, and passionate mental health advocate. From running marathons on every continent to cycling the length of Britain dressed
When Life Gives you Lemons – The Power of Failure Read More »
Ex Dragons Winter included two groups and a total of 14 service personnel from 135 Geo Sqn RE, 3MI Bn, 144 Para Med Sqn, East Midlands UOTC. One group was looking to pass Ski Foundation 3, involving mostly ski touring and contributing toward eligibility for a Ski Leader 1 application, or a ‘Quality Mountain Days
Dragon Winter 25 2025 Read More »
Thursday 20th February 2025 to Sunday 23rd February 2025 marked the inaugural 1159 (Edmonton) Squadron Adventure Training Camp in the Peak District. The event involved 18 air cadets and 6 staff from Edmonton and the surrounding Squadrons partaking in a wide range of activities including hill walking, outdoor & indoor climbing, and mountain biking. As
Peak District Adventure Training 2025 Read More »
Exercise Diary – OCdt BALGARNIEMonday: The first day of our exped was all about admin. Various members of the crew arrived in Gosport throughout the day. Despite this, OCdt Smeaton, our skipper, was busy taking over the vessel and organising various repairs to well-weathered equipment. Meanwhile, the crew were unpacking, bonding and preparing a delicious
Cockney Sailor XXXIX 2024 Read More »
Ex CS XLI, XLII and XLIII were 3 ULOTC Offshore Sailing expeditions run over the course of a weekend using a REYC chartered yacht from Gosport. Each weekend took 4 novice sailors out onto the water, exposing them to challenging AT and a very steep learning curve. The MEL repeated from weekend to weekend and
Cockney Sailor XLI, XLII, XLIII 2024 Read More »
Ex COCKNEY SAILOR XL was a ULOTC Offshore Sailing exped delivered over a weekend, using an REYC yacht based in Gosport. This was our first weekend AT exped in a number of years and demonstrated the feasibility of pursuing similar opportunities in the future. These are cost effective opportunities to expose our OCdts to a
Cockney Sailor XL 2024 Read More »
Expedition ‘Venturer Snow Finn 2025’ was an unforgettable experience for all involved, designed to challenge participants both physically and mentally while building key skills such as resilience, teamwork, and leadership. The trip took place in the stunning snow-covered mountains of Italy, providing cadets with the opportunity to learn and develop skiing abilities in a completely new
Venturer Snow Finn 25 2025 Read More »
On Sunday 19th February 20 staff from the RAF Air Cadets (RAFAC) arrived at the RAF Robson Resilience centre in Grantown on Spey for 5 days of Winter Mountain Skills development. The aim of the expedition was to provide an opportunity for RAFAC volunteer staff members to develop and practice the skills required to engage
Grantown Winter 2025 Read More »
100 Regt RA undertook an overseas AT offshore sail training expedition in the Canary Islands, Ex CANARY UBIQUE (Ex CU) Leg 7, between Sun 29 Dec 24 – Sun 12 Jan 25, involving 12 personnel, of whom 9 were Army Reservists. The expedition took place on St Barbara V, a 42-foot Rustler ocean-going yacht provided
Canary Ubique 2024 Read More »
Day 1: Monday 10 Feb: The group set off for Netheravon from Merville Barracks, with a 164-mile journey ahead. Despite the M25 traffic, the group arrived and immediately began ground training for skydiving. The instructors began with teaching safety procedures, equipment handling, and body positioning for the freefall. They covered everything from how to inspect
Dragon Iberian Leap 2025 Read More »
Exercise MONTY MERGER 25 (MM25) was Headquarters Home Command and Standing Joint Command (UK)’s annual skiing Adventurous Training (AT) expedition in Mayrhofen, Austria. With access to an extensive range of pistes across several valleys, the location was ideal for catering for all abilities, from ‘bambies’ to aspiring instructors. Over the fortnight-long expedition, 45 students deployed,
Ten RAF Air Cadets accompanied by two Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers embarked on a seven day sailing voyage during the summer around the Western Isles of Scotland from Oban to Greenock organised and staffed by the Ocean Youth Trust. Narratives from some of the cadet participants are recounted below. OYT Ulysses trust boat trip IntroductionAs
Ocean Venture 2024 Read More »
Members of 3 Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion travelled to Nepal to tackle the rugged and remote terrain of the Limi Valley and to learn more about the communities, culture and heritage of our Gurkha colleagues. Exercise TERTIUS YATRA 2024 took place from 11-29 November 2024, comprising 13 personnel from 3 MI Battalion, plus a Mountain
Terrius Yatra 2024 Read More »
In October 2024, 16 members of The Honourable Artillery Company set off to conquer Himlung Himal (7,126 meters / 23,379 feet), a remote Himalayan peak on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Armed with crampons, dreams, and not quite enough mars bars, we battled thin air, frozen boots, and each other’s bad jokes. Base camp
Cockney Vambrace Peak 2024 Read More »
On 18-22 October 2024 – Hertfordshire Wing RAF Air Cadets successfully completed their Gold level Duke of Edinburgh expedition in Dartmoor National Park. “I am so grateful for your [Ulysses Trust] support – I couldn’t have attended without it” Cadet George Background: The planning started in the summer due to a number of cadets not being
Herts RAFAC Gold DofE Expedition – Dartmoor 2024 Read More »
“I want to come back and do it all” Cadet Sergeant H B. On Friday 1 November 2024 twelve cadets and support staff from Cumbria & Lancashire Wing RAF Air Cadets completed a five day Spanish expedition on the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route. They trekked the 115km from Sarria to the cathedral in Santiago
The Ulysses Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Colonel Mark Siebenaller TD VR FRGS as a new Trustee to its board. With a distinguished career that spans over four decades in both business and the military, Colonel Siebenaller brings a wealth of experience that will greatly benefit the Trust. Mark’s military career began
The Ulysses Trust Welcomes New Trustee Read More »
Introduction: In September, No. 1 (Minden) Company of Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force embarked on training and expeditions for Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Army Cadet Syllabus at Dunham Massey Scout Camp in Cheshire. This two-day, two-night adventure saw the participation of over 60 cadets, marking a significant milestone in their training
1 Coy ACS 1 and 2 Star, Bronze DofE and Silver Practice Exped 2024 Read More »
Lancashire ACF aimed to run an annual overseas walking expedition to Bavaria during October half term. Having had to cancel last year’s planned expedition, some cadets waited two years for this expedition to come around again. Many cadets had never been abroad before and even one of the CFAVs had only just got his very
Bavarian Venturer 2024 Read More »
The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition is introduced by our CEO, Polly Marsh and includes reports from reservist, officer cadet and cadet expeditions as follows: Exercise Report: Kelly Offshore 2024 – Twelve cadets from Hebburn Sea Cadets and RMCD braved the waves to set sail aboard the James Cook to
Winter 2024 Newsletter Read More »
In a world where digital screens dominate daily life, a compelling research paper, “Conceptualising the Power of Outdoor Adventure Activities for Subjective Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review,” offers an invigorating reminder of the transformative power of nature and adventure. This study synthesizes a wealth of research to explore how outdoor adventure activities—think hiking, rock climbing,
Unleashing the Power of Adventure: How Outdoor Activities Boost Well-Being Read More »
In a recent journey packed with excitement, growth, and friendship, Barnsley Sea Cadets took 40 young people from Barnsley Sea Cadets on an unforgettable adventure camp at Kingswood, thanks to the generous support of the Ulysses Trust (ID 3247). This camp experience provided these young cadets with a chance to immerse themselves in thrilling outdoor
Barnsley Sea Cadets Boating 2024 Read More »
In a remarkable display of teamwork and maritime skills, ten teenagers from East Kilbride Sea Cadets recently embarked on an exhilarating yacht trip that took them across the Clyde Estuary to the scenic Holy Isle and the charming town of Campbeltown in Scotland. This trip was more than just a sailing expedition; it was an
Cadet Offshore 2024 Read More »
Here’s an extremely useful report entitled: The Benefits of Adventure for Children: A Summary of the Evidence – which has been produced for the Adventure Mind – a collaboration of individuals and organisations including outdoor leaders, researchers, health practitioners, universities, adventure charities and companies. The authors of the report include Ulysses Trust Advisory Officers: Prof.
The Benefits of Adventure for Children Read More »
Personnel from the University Air Squadrons of Birmingham (UBAS), Wales (UWAS), and Bristol (BUAS) deployed on Ex Harkan Fire to Lit, Sweden over the periods 31 Aug – 6 Sep 24, 6 – 13 Sep 24 and 13 – 20 Sep 24 respectively. The aim was to develop UAS students through the medium of a
This summer RAF Air Cadets staff & cadets set off on the adventure of a lifetime. This was a Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional event with attendee from from 1019 (City of Stirling) Squadron, 2284 (Dunblane) Squadron, 2311 (Glenrothes) Squadron, 2452 (Shawlands Academy) Squadron, 2519 (Strathmore) Squadron, 1756 (Broxburn) Squadron, 2535 (Livingston) Squadron, 470 (Falkirk)
Gold DofE Sailing Expedition 2024 Read More »
2023 was supposed to be the year our mountaineering Exped to the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains came to fruition, however fate as always was yet to play its hand and a week from deployment Morocco was hit with a terrible earthquake causing the sad loss of thousands of lives. It was therefore decided to shift
“Their sacrifice created our freedom” HRH Princess Anne the Princess Royal speaking at Arnhem on 21 Sep 2024 representing HM the King. On 14 Sep 2024 nine members of the Reserve and Regular Army from all over the UK, set off from a beach in Essex to paddle a kayak across the North Sea to
Pegasus Frost 2024 Read More »
DAY ONE 14th – TRAVEL Students travelled from RAF BENSON to Luton airport, arriving at 14:40. We departed at 17:15 using Wizz Air UK. We arrived at split airport at 20:15 then made the journey to Marina Mandelina to move into our charter Yacht for the week. DAT TWO 15th – SUPPLIES AND FIRST SAIL
Plain Sailing 2024 Read More »
On Friday 11 October 11 cadets and 2 adult volunteers from Morrison’s Academy CCF set off for a four day Adventure Training expedition to the Cairngorms National Park. Nine of the cadets were novices and this was their first multi day expedition. Following a kit check and route brief the group set off and drove
Cairngorms Venturer 24 2024 Read More »
After a few years’ hiatus from overseas mountaineering expeditions, a small group of seven Officer Cadets (OCdts) and staff from London University Officer Training Corps (ULOTC) deployed to Italy for a Mountaineering Foundation Course. Italy was selected over domestic locations such as Wales or Scotland to take advantage of the unique Via Ferrata routes in
Cockney Mountaineer 24 2024 Read More »
“Each day really pushed us out of our comfort zones, whether we were trying to handle tough descents or just grinding through steep climbs. But honestly, the feeling after finishing each one was so worth it. It wasn’t just about getting better at mountain biking—we learned how to stick together, keep everyone’s spirits up, and,
Exercise ADRIATIC LION was the University of Birmingham Air Squadron (UBAS) and the East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron’s (ESUAS) most recent international adventurous training sailing expedition to the Adriatic Sea, Croatia. Over the course of one week, 16 students from UBAS and ESUAS, as well as one day skipper from Bristol University Air Squadron
Adriatic Lion 2024 Read More »
Ex COCKNEY SAILOR XXXVIII Ulysses Trust Report Adventurous Training is a key part of a military career and of the ULOTC experience. It allows OCdts to gain new skills and experiences and build their qualifications in these activities. This summer 2 OCdts completed their RYA Competent Crew qualification and 1 received his RYA Coastal Skipper
Cockney Sailor XXXVIII 2024 Read More »
The 2024 MR Sailex was once again at full capacity with 37 reservists from across the maritime reserve taking part with ranks and rates from AB to commander in attendance, 14 units were represented. This was the fifth time the event has been run and its capacity has only been limited by the amount of
RNR National Sailing Expedition (RNR SAILEX) 2024 Read More »
August 2024 saw 15 cadets and 5 staff travel to Norway for our annual overseas assessed Gold DofE Award expedition. This was the culmination of months of training and a practice expedition in scorching weather in the North Pennines a couple of months before. The journey was smooth and after taking the train to Oslo
Venturer Oakham Telemark 2024 Read More »
From 23rd to the 30th of March, 30 young Air Cadets from South West London embarked on an exhilarating and enriching week-long expedition in the stunning Lake District. This multi-activity week, generously funded by the Ulysses Trust, provided these cadets with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the outdoors, build new skills, and foster personal growth.
Windermere Multi-activity AT Camp 2024 Read More »
Captain Simon Chaplin from Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force, Garth Hughes of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force and Colonel L T Williams of 160 Brigade put a plan together to deliver some much needed training for cadet force adult volunteers within Wales. Part of the Army Cadet Force training syllabus for young people
Lowland Expedition Leader Training (Sports Leader level 3) 2024 Read More »
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
Poole Sea Cadets Annual Camp 2024 Read More »
Students from Wales UOTC formed up in Maindy Barracks for the now annual mountain bike expedition to the French Alps. Bikes and kit loaded, we set out on the 24 hour drive to Le Biot, a small village near Morzine in the French Alps. Tired but excited on arrival we checked our kit for the
Dragon Morzine 2024 Read More »
Summary of the Trip In September, Southampton University Officer Training Corps (SUOTC) departed on a hiking expedition “The Berlin High Trail.” Sadly, due to challenging weather conditions, we had to replan, after 20cm of snow fell over evening one, at the first hut. EX SBJ 2 was thus adapted for low-level hikes near Mayrhofen from
Solent Bergziege Jager 2024 Read More »
Exercise Leviathan 2024 is an annual adventurous training exercise for CCF Army units within Inner London, organised in conjunction with the Tall Ships Youth Trust. Our aim is to provide army section cadets with a new and challenging opportunity that they would not normally have access to, promote inter-services careers and achieve a Gold Duke
Introduction Between the 29th June 2024 and the 18th of July 2024, 13 students and 2 staff members from Liverpool University Air Squadron and Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron took part in a bikepacking expedition around the north end of Vancouver Island, tackling mountainous terrain amid an Island heatwave. Students were attempting to complete
In July 2024, 94 personnel from Reading School CCF and supporting units undertook an incredible annual camp in Gibraltar. The camp was a once in a lifetime opportunity for cadets to experience training in a completely different environment to the UK and the week was packed full of activities including Adventure Training, Fieldcraft, Ranges, Tri-Service
Royal Venturer 2024 Read More »
Exercise Wyvern Odyssey consisted of two individual Adventure Training exercises Exercise Wyvern Splash and Wyvern Granite, these exercises took place concurrently in the Southwest of England over the latter part of this Summer. Due to the formation of Southwest Officer Training Regiment (SWOTR) these exercises allowed OCdts from what was previously Bristol and Exeter OTCs
Wyvern Odyssey 2024 Read More »
Over the summer, 8 OCdts (many of who’m were complete novices) set sail from Gosport to Cherbourg (France) and the Channel Islands. Over the the week the crew explored the remote Islands learning about the geography and history of each destination. The OCdts developed basic sailing skills, practicing drills such as gybing, tacking and man-overboard
Cockney Sailor XXXVII 2024 Read More »
On Friday 20th September, 14 Cadets and 2 staff from The Royal School, Wolverhampton CCF travelled to the Army Parachute Association, Netheravon to undertake a static line parachute course. This was a fantastic experience, with many valuable lessons learnt. The cadets spent 8 hours completing a ground training course, focusing on controlling their descent and
Royal Freefall 24 2024 Read More »
In the heart of Spain, a grueling gravel bike race known as Badlands pushed eight army personnel from both regular and reserve forces to their absolute limits. This challenging expedition, designed to test individuals in new and demanding ways, saw participants traverse a staggering 780-mile route through some of the most remote and breath-taking landscapes
In late August, 12 members from the Bristol and Northumbrian University Air Squadrons took part in a high altitude 2-week trekking expedition in the Moroccan High Altas Mountains with the “1ER Batallion de Chasseurs de L’Altlas Force Armees Royales”. The aim of the expedition was to expose us to a challenging and unfamiliar environment where
Senior members of Matravers Combined Cadet Force expeditioned in Schwarzsee, Switzerland 17th – 24th August 2024. Not without issue, the expedition did not get off to a great start when the departure flight was cancelled at 2200 Friday 16th August. With very little time to resolve anything and automatically being rescheduled onto a flight to
Venturer Matravers Schwarzsee 2024 Read More »
With the support of the Ulysses Trust, 100 (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery embarked on an epic mountaineering adventure – trekking the Grande Randonnee’ 20 (GR20) from the South to the North of the Mediterranean island of Corsica, starting in Conca and finishing some 16 days later in Calenzana. The GR20 is widely regarded as one
Cockney Bandana 2024 Read More »
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
Venturer German Gold 2024 Read More »
During August 2024, 6 Cadets took part in the first canoeing DofE Expedition organised by Kent Wing Air Cadets in over 15 years. This Expedition would see the Cadets complete a training programme designed to equip them with the skills to paddle their canoes before taking on their 30km Journey from Tonbridge to Allington on
Silver DofE Canoe Expedition 2024 Read More »
On August 28th, 2024, eight young cadets, aged 16 and 17, from the Wallisdown, Bournemouth, and Poole Detachments of the Dorset Army Cadet Force embarked on a journey they would never forget. Their adventure? A daring leap of faith into the world of skydiving. The journey began at 6 PM on a Friday evening, with
It was an unforgettable journey for twelve young individuals who had the chance to embark on a life-changing expedition aboard the James Cook with the Ocean Youth Trust, thanks to the generous support of the Ulysses Trust. Coming from diverse backgrounds, including those in the local authority care system, these young people had the opportunity
Kelly Offshore 2024 Read More »
On 09 October 2024 we held our second meeting of the Odyssey Circle – a society of like-minded people who support the Reserves and Cadets through expeditions and the life changing opportunities they represent. It was wonderful to see so many of our supporters in this prestigious venue in the heart of Mayfair. We heard
Odyssey Circle Event 9 October 2024 Grosvenor Estates Read More »
The first of our prestigious Expedition Awards was presented by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Johanna Ropner (pictured right) on Thursday 3 October 2024. The Trust’s Expedition Awards highlight the very best in leadership, challenge, courage and planning. The latest awards were selected from the 88 cadet and reservist expeditions supported by The Ulysses
4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment Presented with Best Expedition Award Read More »
Ulysses Trust ambassador Jordan Wylie MBE delivered a talk to the Speakers for Schools network entitled: Adventures in Resilience: A Journey to Mental Well-Being on Thursday 10th October 2024 – World Mental Health Day. Jordan is an award-winning adventurer, international bestselling author and one of the stars of channel 4’s BAFTA nominated shows “Hunted” and
Speakers for Schools: Adventures in Resilience: A Journey to Mental Well-Being Read More »
