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Leviathan 2024

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 […]

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Bear Escape 2024

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

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Royal Venturer 2024

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

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Wyvern Odyssey 2024

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

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Royal Freefall 24 2024

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

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Badlands 24 2024

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

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NUAS Atlas 2024

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

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Cockney Bandana 2024

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

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Parachuting 2024

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

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Kelly Offshore 2024

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

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4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment Presented with Best Expedition Award

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

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Speakers for Schools: Adventures in Resilience: A Journey to Mental Well-Being

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

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Slim Dragon Viking 2024

From the 09-23 AUG 24, 12 Officer Cadets (OCdts), accompanied by 2 staff members from Birmingham University Officers Training Corps, prepared themselves to embark on a two-week canoeing expedition on the Harkan river system, Sweden. They planned to canoe 120km from Valsjöbyn to Lit where they’d be wild camping each night and complete their O2F

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Sailing 2024

The 10 male cadets and 2 Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers met excitedly at our unit ready to load the two vehicles which were to transport them to Heybridge in Essex to board the Blue Mermaid sailing barge on the River Blackwater. Blue Mermaid is the first full size Thames Sailing Barge to be built since

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Yr Wydffa’s Leap 2024

In July, a group of cadets from Q3 Academy CCF travelled to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park for their adventurous training summer camp package. The themes for the camp were:Physical and mental challenge; Resilience; Teamwork; Leadership; Communication Stepping off the coach in Nant Gwynant, cadets were immediately met with their first challenge, a 1 mile walk

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Tiree Tiger 2024

Expedition Tiree Tiger 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. Tiree, 165 miles from Glasgow and a four-hour ferry ride from Oban, was the

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Dragon Slim Lakes 2024

For nine exciting, action-packed days in mid July, Officer Cadets (OCdts) from Birmingham Universities Officers Training Corps (UOTC) and a member of Oxford UOTC were given the opportunity to further their skills in rock climbing, mountaineering and kayaking. Ex DRAGON SLIM LAKES allowed participants to aim for and achieve foundation qualifications in AT, as well

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Dolomiti 2024

During the period 14-23 July 2024 a team of 21 cadets and 8 staff from Derbyshire Sector in Trent Wing headed out to the Dolomites Region of Italy. After a year of planning and UK based training, the team assembled at Manchester Airport to fly out to Venice Marco Polo Airport and then collected their

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Thames Paddle 24

During the weekend of 02-04 Aug 2024 some 15 cadets with 4 supporting staff descended on the Thames in Oxford at the watersports facility owned by Cokethorpe School (where one of the accompanying RAFAC staff runs a Summer Paddlesport Scheme over the school holidays). The activity was aimed at newer cadets who have not started

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Cadet Parachuting 2024

Aim: To provide an otherwise unobtainable opportunity for cadets to experience parachuting and to develop their self-confidence within an adventurous setting. “An example of determination to achieve a goal” Over the weekend of 8th – 10th March 2024, 16 cadets arrived at Netheravon Airfield home to the Army Parachuting Association, to conduct training for a

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Pellew Splash 24-00 2024

Devon Army Cadets have spent the past three weeks experiencing different levels of sailing on the Boleh Trust Sailing boat. This initiative started with an unforgettable five-day journey from Gosport traversing the challenging waters of the English Channel. Once docked in Portland, the sailing boat then held five, one-day expeditions giving different cadets, each day

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Tudor Tiger 2024

Adventure, Challenge, and Growth in the Welsh Wilderness Eighteen cadets and adult volunteers from the Royal Grammar School Guildford Combined Cadet Force embarked on an extraordinary journey this summer as part of Exercise Tudor Tiger 2024. This dynamic adventure took them deep into the heart of Wales, where they faced a series of exhilarating challenges

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Case Study: 3RWelsh

3RWelsh is the sole reserve infantry unit in Wales, distinguishing itself from other reserve units that focus on medical, signalling, logistics, or armoured operations. Adventure Training (AT) plays a pivotal role within the battalion, offering exceptional opportunities for leadership development, team building, and personal growth. This report delves into the profound impact of AT on

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Developing Resilient Youth through Outdoor Adventure

The impact of expedition experiences on young people and how these formative adventures shape their adult lives is a topic that invites deep exploration. In this analysis, Mike Blakey, our Grant Applications Committee Manager, delves into the long-term effects of these expeditions. By reconnecting with former expedition cadets, he uncovers surprising insights into how these

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Adventure as Therapy

Expeditions and challenging adventurous activities are good for the body and the mind. We explore the benefits of Adventurous Training (AT) for good mental health.  In an era where mental health concerns are increasingly prevalent, The Ulysses Trust offers an innovative and effective way to enhance well-being through adventurous expeditions. By supporting various challenging and

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Alpine Venture 2024

Ian, how do you fancy leading a Royal Air Force Mountaineering Association Alpine trip this summer? Of course, my answer was ‘yes’, even though I only had a few months to find other instructors, team members, gain approval and financial support. A lot had changed since I had left full-time Royal Air Force Service in

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Pangbourne Dragon 2024

From the 8th to 13th July, cadets from Pangbourne College and Denefield School attended an adventurous training expedition in North Wales. The cadets were based at Capel Curig Training Camp, ideally located for a full range of adventurous training activities, aimed at providing the cadets opportunities to stretch and challenge themselves, and develop teamwork and

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Climbing Now 2024

Introduction: Between the 9th and 16th of June 2024, a team of 12 students and 2 instructors took part in a sport climbing expedition on the sun-kissed island of Mallorca in the Western Mediterranean. By the end of the trip all students had become competent with the fundamentals of sport climbing outdoors. Background: A highly

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Skimo Warrior 2024

Exercise SKIMO WARRIOR in April this year was the final exercise to prepare the UK Armed Forces Team to compete in the Patrouille des Glaciers (PdG). The PdG is the most prestigious ski mountaineering (skimo) race, with 4,386m of ascent over 58km from Zermatt to Verbier. Teams compete in patrols of three, racing through the

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Summer 2024 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: Dragon Telemark Blue 2024. Officer Cadets from Cambridge University Officers’ Training Corps embarked on an adventurous expedition to the Hardangervidda plateau in Norway.

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Alpine Adventure 2024

Alpine Adventure 2024 Expedition Report (Ulysses Trust Application ID 3145)  During the February school half term, 45 RAF Air Cadets and 14 volunteer staff from across the South of England travelled to Germany. They participated in an expedition that was to see them undertake a full six-day programme of ski training and skiing at two

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Phoenix 2024

The Netherhaven Skydiving expedition, funded by the Ulysses Trust, aimed to provide a thrilling skydiving experience for our cadets. This report highlights the unexpected turn of events that led to a change in plans and the impact on the participants. The cadets were prepared for a static line jump from 3000 feet, ready to conquer

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DofE 2024

Over the Bank Holiday Weekend of 03-06 May 2024 nearly 100 staff and cadets from the Derbyshire Sector of Trent Wing assembled at Barn Farm in Birchover for their annual DofE Expedition Weekend, again made possible due to the kind sponsorship of the Ulysses Trust and RAF Charitable Trust. This year was somewhat different in

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Snjor Mountaineer 2024

Ex Snjor Mountaineer was the Army Mountaineering Association’s recent flagship ski mountaineering expedition to Iceland, which aimed to prepare for and then summit Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur – a feat that had not previously been achieved by a British Military team. WO2 Ross Penver, the Exped leader, aimed for the Expedition “to expose a group

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CE 24

While most university students were at home for the Easter Recess, 12 ULOTC OCdts embarked on a 2-week Offshore Sailing Adventurous Training exercise in The Caribbean Archipelago. With a single weekend earlier in the month acting as a preparatory training phase, this was the first true taste of sailing for 5 of the OCdts, and

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French parachuting course at ETAP 2024

Introduction: The focus of the exercise was for five members of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) to attend and complete the rigorous static-line parachuting training course at the Centre École des Troupes Aéroportées (ETAP) and thereby earn their ‘French Wings’. Over two weeks, participants underwent intensive physical and theoretical training alongside 125 troops from

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Daring to explore: Speakers for Schools – 15th July 2024

Ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery? Don’t miss this broadcast with world-renowned explorer, writer, & photographer, Levison Wood. Known for his epic expeditions across the globe, like walking the length of the Nile and trekking through the Himalayas, Levison will share his incredible stories & insights into the transformative power of challenge &

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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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