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Dragon Telemark Blue 2024

After a hearty pre-exped dinner enjoyed whilst watching the 1965 ‘Heroes of Telemark’ starring Kirk Douglas, Second Lieutenants and three Officer Cadets set off from Cambridge ARC and headed for the Hardangervidda plateau, Norway, on 31 March 2024. Having explained our official NATO Travel Orders to a bleary-eyed French border officer, convincing him that we […]

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An evening with Ray Mears

Last night we hosted a special event at the Honorary Artillery Company (HAC) to meet our special guest, and Ulysses Trust ambassador, Ray Mears. Following introductions from the HAC’s Major General Simon Lalor and our CEO Polly Marsh DL, cadets Lance Corporal Tia Smythe and Cadet Honneki Samman Perrucha from the City of London Academy

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Ski Cadet 2024

The Expedition started at Dover Priory Train Station, but the learning experience started at the students’ home locations across the UK. Many of the cadets travelled independently by buses, and trains, or a combination of them, to get to Dover Train Station and, for most, this was the first time they had travelled independently, a

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Dragon Squall 2024

In October 2023, in-year Army-wide saving measures were announced that effectively turned off the public funding for adventure training for the remainder of the Training Year. Not to be deterred, 3RWELSH looked at options to deliver low-cost training delivered using non-public funds and the result was a week on Scotland’s west coast in near perfect

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Tall Ships Venturer 2024

In April ten female cadets from Tile Cross Academy (part of Solihull School CCF through the Cadet Expansion Programme) undertook a five-day, four-night, voyage aboard Challenger 2, one of the Tall Ships Youth Trust’s ocean going yachts. After an uneventful minibus journey from Birmingham, the cadets were welcomed aboard the boat, moored alongside Gunwharf Quays

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Walker Ski 24

Walker Riverside Academy is located within the Wallsend area of Newcastle –famed for its historic links with Hadrian’s Wall and the Roman settlements. It is the birthplace of Eric Burdon, lead singer of The Animals. 7. The Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi grew up in Walker where he played for the famous Walker Central F.C,

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Telemark Titan 2024

Ex TELEMARK TITAN 2024 was the FANYs’ first foray into telemark skiing as part of a fortnight of race training in Pralognan-la-Vanoise, culminating in the British and British Army Telemark Championships. The Corps was keen to take part in the exercise as, since 2019’s Ex Viking Challenge, kindly sponsored by the Ulysses Trust, members had

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Joint Glacier 2024

JOINT GLACIER 24 was a seven-day adventurous training expedition to the Stubai Valley in Austria. The purpose of the trip was to take eight non-skiers and eight with a variety of experience and instruct them either in skiing or take them to their next qualification level.The purpose of this type of trip is to expose

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Monty Merger 24

Exercise MONTY MERGER 24 (MM24) was the most recent iteration of Headquarters Home Command and Standing Joint Command (UK)’s annual skiing Adventurous Training expedition. Split across two weeks, there were all levels of skiing ranging from beginners through to those developing their instructional capability before attending the Ski Leader courses which will qualify them to

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Veterans are Vital!

Veterans make a huge contribution to the cadet movement as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and many help run cadet expeditions, but what’s in it for them? Veterans play a crucial role in the running of many cadet units and The Ulysses Trust recognises how important veterans are in running expeditions too. We are hugely

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EPIC 23 2023

Main Expedition Day 1 – Acclimatisation Walk The main expedition began with a day walk acclimatisation day. The cadets were split into 4 groups with routes up and around the Grunten. The Grunten overlooks the lodge and is at the foothold of the Alps; its peak stands at 1738m and can be seen for miles

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Northern Dolomites Serpent 2023

WHAT WE ACHIEVED​​PHASE 1: ​ Novice climbers, many of whom were completely new to the sport gained the required knowledge to safely climb using a top rope on a sport climbing route. Students with previous experience were able to gain valuable log book days, in preparation for the Rock Climbing Supervisor qualification.​ PHASE 2: ​ Once students had gained sufficient experience and were

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Atlantic Quest 2023

SUMMARY Over 25th Sep – 2nd Nov 2023, the Corps of Royal Engineers (British Army) embarked on a sailing and mountaineering expedition to South Georgia. The expedition had already sailed (using different crews) from the UK to the Falkland Islands in three legs and after South Georgia sailed up to the Caribbean in a further

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Winter 2023 Newsletter

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: Northern Amazonas Fortuna 2023. Reservists from 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment explore the Amazon. Exercise report: Mountain Storm 2023. RAF Air Cadets

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Northern Rock-Warrior 2023

“Exercise Northern Rock-Warrior” deployed 14 individuals, from the newly formed 215 (Scottish) Multirole Medical Regiment to Sardinia, Italy for a rock-climbing expedition with foundations in mental resilience and wellness training.  Prior to deployment the expedition leader and second in command, (both climbing instructors) put together a business case, fundraised, carried out a medical recce to

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Tiger Manaslu 2023

Between 25 September and 13 October 2023, MAS(A) (Management Accountancy Services Army) personnel participated in an arduous adventurous training exercise in a remote region of Nepal. The team trekked the Manaslu Circuit for 10 days through blistering heat, monsoon rain and a little snow whilst reaching an altitude of over 5100 metres! After months of

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Paddling Bear 2023

In a challenging 6-day expedition along the river Harkan in Sweden, twelve members of Cambridge and London University Air Squadrons put their canoeing skills to the test, completing the foundational canoeing qualification and showcasing their survival abilities. Facing temperatures fluctuating between 0 to 12 degrees Celsius and occasional morning fog, the group embarked on a

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Tiger Bergjager 2023

In September, Southampton University Officer Training Corps (SUOTC) departed on an adventurous training exercise in Tyrol, Austria. Our team conducted a hut-to-hut hiking expedition from the 11th to the 19th of September. We chose the challenging Berlina High Trail route. The expedition aimed to push us as officer cadets beyond our comfort zone and discover

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Spitfire Adventure 23 (Ex SA 23)-Previously named Dragon Paddle 23 2023

Exercise SPITFIRE ADVENTURE 23 was a 20 Works Group Royal Engineers (Air Support) canoeing expedition which took place on the Green River, Moab, Utah, from 9 – 24 Sep 23. The main aim of the exercise / Expedition (Exped), which were successfully met were to: a. To develop teamwork, leadership and confidence in a challenging

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West Coast Challenge 2023

Introduction: The RAF Air Cadet Ocean Youth Trust Scotland West Coast Challenge 2023 was an extraordinary offshore sailing expedition that brought together 11 cadets and one Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer (CFAV) for an unforgettable 12-day journey along the stunning west coast of Scotland. This voyage provided us with incredible memories and experiences that will last

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Dragon Czech Blue 2023

Exercise Dragon Czech Blue saw eight members of CUOTC embark on a climbing and via ferrata expedition to the north of the Czech Republic, embracing unfamiliar rock surfaces and pushing the boundaries of Army adventurous training, becoming the first climbing expedition to the Czech Republic. Indeed, AT has been a particularly prominent feature of the

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Dolomite Cadet 2023

Dorset ACF are back from the Dolomites after an incredibly successful expedition. The cadets threw themselves into all the challenges the Dolomites have to offer, which, combined with a carefully selected and very experienced instructional team resulted in a truly memorable week. The poor unfortunates who were the advance party left Dorchester at 0800 hrs

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Eryri Heights 2023

Adventure Training is a key part of the RAF Air Cadet training syllabus and within 282 (East Ham) Squadron, Adventure Training is incredibly popular. It helps develop resilience and leadership skills through a range of exhilarating outdoor activities, adventurous training is enjoyable from start to finish, creating experiences and learning that will stay with you

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Dragon Sweden Blue 2023

Ex Sweden Dragon Blue Conducted during Cambridge OTCs jam-packed summer of AT expeditions, Ex Sweden Dragon Blue, organised by alumni Captain Loades-Bannon, along with WO2 Taylor and 7 Officer Cadets, embarked upon the challenge of completing a 245km segment of the infamous Kungsleden or “King’s Trail”. The first hurdle for us all was the 3-day

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Shackleton Trophy awarded to 129 (Tunbridge Wells) Squadron ATC

20 October 2023 Kent Wing’s RAF Air Cadets 129 (Tunbridge Wells) Squadron has been awarded the prestigious Shackleton Trophy for its ‘Pedal Overlord’ cycling expedition to the Normandy D-day beaches (supported by The Ulysses Trust and RAF Charitable Trust). In May 2023, 129 Squadron’s Pedal Overlord expedition took 16 cadets aged 13-17, supported by 5

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Odyssey Circle Launch

On 12 October 2023 we held a special event to launch our 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 the fabulous Fishmongers’ Hall overlooking the Thames. Thanks to

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Mountain Storm 2023

On the 26th of July 2023, a team of twenty-two cadets and eight Cadet Force Adult Volunteer instructors embarked on Exercise Mountain Storm. This remarkable journey encapsulated the essence of the third aim of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets: “To foster a spirit of adventure and cultivate qualities of leadership and good citizenship”. The

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Dragon Fireweed 2023

(09 – 27 Aug 23) at Yukon, Canada Ex Dragon Fireweed saw 16 members of 37 Signal Regiment spend 14 days in the Kluane National Park in the Yukon Territory. Yukon is in the north-western corner of Canada and is bordered by Alaska and the Northwest Territories. The sparsely populated territory encompasses natural scenic beauty,

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Dragon Caple Blue 2023

Following the completion of their challenging Annual Deployment Exercise (ADX), officer cadets from Cambridge UOTC left Cambridge Army Reserve Centre at 3am 9th July and headed for Ex CHAMONIX BLUE: a multi-sport, six-day adventurous training expedition in the French Alps. We arrived at Dover in the early hours of Sunday morning and landed in Calais

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Dragon Slim Scale 23

OCdts from Birmingham University Officers’ Training Corps (BUOTC) have recently been undertaking a Single-Pitch Climbing foundation course in the Dolomites. Over 10 days, the group learnt the necessary skills to further develop their climbing repertoire, all within the scenic backdrop of the Italian Alps. Starting the week off as beginners, the OCdts were introduced to

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Sailing 23

This is the report from Hebburn Sea Cadets of ‘Expedition Sailing 2023′. Our Sea Cadets are based on the River Tyne in Hebburn and this year, thanks to the grant received from the Ulysses Trust, we had twelve sea cadets, aged between 12 years to 18 years, and two adult volunteers take part in a

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Rip Curl 2023

City of Liverpool Sea Cadets hosted an Adventure Training week at Holyhead Sea Cadet Unit, TS Prince of Wales, Anglesey from 17.07.23-21.07.23which was attended by 10 CAVS and 16 Cadets from various North West Area Sea Cadet Units and was organised and run by former Royal Marine, C/Sgt Ian Wooldridge. Preparation for this one-week Adventure

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Y28/29P (Brixham-Gosport) 2 weeks (DofE Exped G & S) 2023

Funded Participant:Petty Officer Cadet Philippa GRIFFITHS, Sea Cadet Corps Purpose of Expedition:To experience how to live and work on a yacht whilst living in close quarters with other cadets. Outcomes of Expedition:Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Expedition – completedRYA Day Skipper (Theory) Award – completedSCC Advanced Navigation – completedSCC Cadet Navigation Instructor – pending approval

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Tiger Swiss Rock 2023

Ex TIGER SWISS ROCK was an alpine rock-climbing exercise for members of the Army Mountaineering Association. The unique challenge of the exercise was to push the boundaries of alpine rock climbing to provide development opportunities to an experienced cohort of Adventurous Training instructors. Ex TIGER SWISS ROCK was a ‘road trip’ exercise, constantly moving, with

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Tiger Cara Nordic 2023

After a long adventurous training hiatus following the pandemic, six members of 457 Battery, 106 Regiment Royal Artillery deployed to Stavanger, Norway on Ex Tiger Cara Nordic, a sailing expedition aboard the NATO Joint Warfare Centre’s (JWC) sailing club yacht, Aurelius II. Sailing over nine days, the aims were to develop team cohesion and introduce

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Dragon Slim Leven 2023

Over the course of two weeks in Kinlochleven, Scotland, OCdts from Birmingham University Officers’ Training Corps (BUOTC) undertook various activities on the annual Adventurous Training Camp, Ex DRAGON SLIM LEVEN. With opportunities to obtain foundation qualifications in kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and mountaineering, as well as a group completing the West Highland Way and Mountain

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Arctic Edge 2023

Intro On the 4th of July 2023 a team of 13 including 2 instructors and 11 students had finished a journey of 167km with 4100m elevation over 9 days fully self-sufficient and headed straight to the hotel showers.  Background  The Arctic Circle Trail expedition was planned back in 2019 by the officer cadets of Northern

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Going Eco-friendly

The Trust is keen to encourage expeditions that have a minimal impact on the environment. Is this achievable or is it just a pipe dream? The Ulysses Trust is taking proactive steps to encourage units to reduce the environmental impact of expeditions and their carbon footprint. In the aftermath of COVID-19 we championed UK-based adventures.

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Dragon Slim Geyser 2023

Between the 8th and 16th July 2023, 12 Officer cadets (OCdt), 2 Officers and 2 instructors completed an expedition to Iceland to achieve the Summer Mountain Foundation Course (SMF) by finishing both the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trail. Through hiking over 75km with 7,500ft of elevation whilst carrying tents, rations, and relevant equipment everyone had an

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Wyvern Paddle 2023

The objective of the expedition was to take 12 novice kayakers with 2 experienced guides, to the beautiful and challenging Isles of Scilly, exploring the archipelago whilst simultaneously developing skills and safety at sea, and challenging the team and individuals to push beyond their comfort levels. These base objectives were not only met but surpassed,

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Via Dolomite 2023

Between 17-23 June, 8 students and 2 instructors from the Northumbrian Universities Air Squadron completed a series of progressively harder hikes, climbs and scrambles across challenging via ferrata routes located in the North, Central and East ranges of the Italian Dolomites. The six different via ferrata completed put our mental and physical resilience to the

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Summer 2023 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition is introduced by our new CEO, Polly Marsh and includes reports from reservist, officer cadet and cadet expeditions as follows: Exercise report: Northern Yosemite Saltire 2023 – Following in the footsteps of the explorer and environmental advocate John Muir, reservists from 32 Signal Regiment

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COMAL Venturer 2023

This expedition to the United States was a multi-unit project that used adventurous training, ceremonial, and multinational cadet collaboration to drive social mobility.  Although not especially challenging in terms of the individual activities, the combination of circumstances can be extremely testing for the cadets. The lead unit was Solihull School CCF including six cadets from

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Dragon Dive 2023

The aim of Dragon Dive 2023 was to take twelve regular and reserve service personnel from various Army units to participate in a diving expedition to enhance their skills and knowledge in a more challenging environment. We also wanted to qualify newly qualified divers to their next level of diving to become British Sub Aqua

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Fundraising Plans Announced

The Ulysses Trust was delighted to announce its fundraising plans for the coming years at its annual team briefing event at HMS President on Friday 7 July 2023. The charity’s Trustees have agreed to continue to use Morgen Thomas Ltd for The Ulysses Trust’s fundraising activities. The Trust Chair, AVM Nick Kurth, said, “I am

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Dofe 2023

Over the weekend of 31 March to 02 Apr 2023 over 20 cadets and staff from 1401 (Alfreton & Ripley) Sqn and 2326 (Clay Cross) Sqn RAFAC assembled at Lea Green Activity Centre in the southern White Peak to undertake a weekend of Silver DofE Practices ahead of an assessed expedition at the end of

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BAE Systems Boosts Charity Fundraising To Support Disadvantaged Young People

The Ulysses Trust, a charity that supports adventurous activities for the UK’s Volunteer Reserve and Cadet Forces, has today reached two significant milestones. First, with renewed support of BAE Systems, the Trust’s New Horizons fundraising campaign (launched in 2020 to meet the growing need for support for cadets) has crossed the £2 million threshold. Secondly,

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