The aim of the exercise was to take 24 Army Cadets to Bavaria for a progressive AT programme using the medium of Alpine skiing. It was planned to the UKCC Snow Sports Snow Life Awards course as the basis for the weeks training. This was supported with elements of snow/mountain survival lectures including weather and […]
Venturer Snow Allgau (Cub 9) 2024 Read More »
During the first week of April, twenty-five cadets and two Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from two squadrons (1105 (City of Winchester) Squadron & 1101 (Kettering & District) Squadron), completed a five day camp with the Outward Bound Trust. As part of the camp, they undertook adventure training and outward bound activities, exposing cadets to new experiences,
Operation Ullswater Outward Bound 2024 Read More »
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
In February half term a group of 33 cadets and 3 CCF staff deployed to Norway for a week of Nordic ski touring in the Haardanger Vida region. The plan was for three days of ski training followed by a three day expedition, with a night in a snow hole and a night in a
Canford Norway 24 2024 Read More »
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
Dragon Squall 2024 Read More »
Excitement was building, as we travelled from our homely village of Giggleswick through the countryside to the small town of Garelochhead in Scotland. The lengthy journey satisfied us greatly with the gorgeous views, despite the fluctuations in weather, from the sun shining bright to downpours of rain. The discussions about the adventure ahead of us
Northern Jacobite Venturer 2024 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
Canford Scottish Winter Skills 2024 Read More »
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
Tall Ships Venturer 2024 Read More »
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,
The AMA winter meet is a highlight of the year, weather permitting and, for the last two years has been based in Glencoe. This is a world class destination for winter mountaineering and the Glencoe hostel provides an excellent base. On arrival we met our instructor for the week, Andy Hogarth, a runner who climbs
Dragon Spindrift 2024/AMA Winter Meet 2024 Read More »
Between the 10th and 17th February 2024 Hereford and Worcester ACF (HWACF) took part in Exercise Venturer Snow cub which was an 8 day travel and ski programme in the Pyrenees. This is the first time that HWACF had ever embarked on a Skiing activity and because of to this, we engaged a civilian Company,
Venturer Snow Cub Skiing 2024 Read More »
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
Telemark Titan 2024 Read More »
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
Joint Glacier 2024 Read More »
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
I think this must have been Exeter UOTC 12th year of conducting adventure training in the Dolomites, for me my 7th with EUOTC and my 9th in total which amounts to 23 weeks in the Dolomites This is all thanks to my old mate Garry Mason who, back in 2015 as the second in command
The 2023 MR Sailex once again generated excellent participation figures with 47 reservists from across the Maritime reserve taking part, representing 12 units. This was the fourth running of the event, which has been supported each year by the Ulysses Trust, without whose support the event would simply not happen. Aims Maritime reserves Sailex has
RNR National Sailing Expedition (RNR SAILEX) 2023 Read More »
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
WHAT WE ACHIEVEDPHASE 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
Northern Dolomites Serpent 2023 Read More »
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
Atlantic Quest 2023 Read More »
Northern Chile Cormorant 2023 ‘Exercise Northern Chile Cormorant’ saw 13 individuals from 206 Multi Role Medical Regiment deploy to Chile to complete one of the most famous and extreme circuits in the world- The ‘O Circuit’ in Torres Del Paine National Park, Patagonia. This expedition involved personnel trekking 150km in the Patagonia wilderness requiring navigational skills,
Northern Chile Cormorant 2023 Read More »
This report covers the activities, locations, accommodation, safeguarding and logistics of the expedition, broken down into phases, to highlight, the experience had by the cadets and cadet force adult volunteers alike from Warwickshire and West Midlands (SS) ACF and Core Education Trust CCF. It must be noted that this expedition was planned to take place
Legacy – Kwazulu Natal 2023 Read More »
During September 2023 the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), an army reservist unit in the City of London, took 22 soldiers and officers out to the Mont Blanc Massif, with the objective to summit Gran Paradiso, a 4,061m peak in the Aosta Valley, Italy. This expedition comprised a core component of their Alpine Mountaineering Foundation (AMF)
Cockney Vambrace Alps 2023 Read More »
159RLC EX DRAGON BARBARIAN NEPAL 7th October to 30th October 2023 Planning a trip such as adventure training in Nepal can take literally years to get everything right and ensure all the important considerations are met. On top of this, finances are possibly the biggest restriction now on any large organisation and especially those in
Barbarian Nepal 23 2023 Read More »
Exercise Venturer Oakham Telemark 23 With all the many months of preparation now behind us, 15 cadets and 3 staff set out from Oakham in the early hours of the morning in mid-August for the journey down to Heathrow. With a fire alarm there delaying security, we finally had breakfast and boarded. As we approached
Venturer Oakham Telemark 2023 Read More »
11 cadets from Sea Cadets Wells-next-the-Sea, accompanied by 2 adult volunteers spent their October half term on board The Faramir, a 22 mtr sailing ketch owned and operated by The Cirdan Sailing Trust. The cadets, aged between 12 and 14 years, set off from Ipswich Haven Marina and, braving the very changeable weather, made their
Offshore Voyage – Cirdan Trust 2023 Read More »
“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
Northern Rock-Warrior 2023 Read More »
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
Tiger Manaslu 2023 Read More »
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
Paddling Bear 2023 Read More »
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
Tiger Bergjager 2023 Read More »
From the 1st – 9th September 2023, 12 Officer Cadets from the Northumbrian Universities Officer Training Corps (NUOTC), alongside a Ranger from 2nd Royal Irish and 3 Instructors, embarked on Exercise Northern Julische Alpine II (Ex NJA II) – a mountaineering expedition across Triglav National Park, Slovenia. Following the success of a similar expedition the
Northern Julische Alpine 23 2023 Read More »
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
Spitfire Adventure 23 (Ex SA 23)-Previously named Dragon Paddle 23 2023 Read More »
A trek over the Pyrenees in the footsteps of the Prisoners of War that made this their escape route during WW2. Background: During WW2 Saint Girons was in the occupied zone of the South of France and it was from here that PoWs would jump off the train and head into the Pyrenees to attempt
Dragon Pyrenean IB2023 Read More »
Following 12 months of planning and preparation, 40 cadets from across the East Midlands ACF and CCF (A) plus a contingent of 16 RN Volunteer Cadet Corps , 18 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from across the ACF, CCF and VCC along with 2 Cadet Training team members completed their expedition to Cyprus for a week
Coronation Jerboa BFC Oct 2023 Read More »
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
West Coast Challenge 2023 Read More »
At 3am on the 14th of August, 11 Officer Cadets & Staff from Cambridge UOTC left Cambridge Army Reserve Centre and headed for Ex DOLOMITES BLUE: a two-week rock climbing and via ferrata adventurous training expedition in the Italian Alps. We arrived at Dover in the early hours of Monday morning and landed in Calais
Dragon Dolomites Blue 2023 Read More »
Day one began very early departure from our base at Falklands House. We met our other instructor Daniel Bucknole, who was a perfect addition to the Exped team with previous careers in mountain rescue and the RAF. Right after landing, we met plain clothes Gendarmerie who enabled us to fast-track customs. We were then off on
Tiger Atlas 9/23 2023 Read More »
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
Dragon Czech Blue 2023 Read More »
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
Dolomite Cadet 2023 Read More »
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
Eryri Heights 2023 Read More »
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
Dragon Sweden Blue 2023 Read More »
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
Mountain Storm 2023 Read More »
(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,
Dragon Fireweed 2023 Read More »
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
Dragon Caple Blue 2023 Read More »
Cornwall Expedition PXRWednesday 26 July – Tuesday 8 August Intro The Cadet Vocational College Westminster Award has been running for over 20 years and is the only competition in the UK open to all types of uniformed youth organisations. It is an annual competition designed to recognise and reward the most deserving of our learners.
The CVQO Westminster Award Cornwall Expedition 2023 Read More »
3RWELSH is always keen to offer opportunity to its soldiers as a reward for their service to the unit and the wider Army Reserve in general. To that end, the annual battalion skiing trip is a key event in the unit’s Forecast of Events and extremely popular with our serving soldiers. For several years now
Dragon Meribel 23 2023 Read More »
On 11th Aug 2023 Greater London South East Sector ACF departed the UK – destination South Africa. The objective to have an adventure of a life time. To give young people the opportunity to experience being in the wild, learning about the importance of animal and land conservation. The aim of the expedition was to
Kwazulu-Natal Venturer 2023 Read More »
Poole Sea Cadets is a large Sea Cadet unit of 60 cadets and, each year, we aim to get much of the unit away for a weekend of adventurous training, team building and enjoying what Dorset has to offer. This year, thanks to this grant, we were able to take 41 of our cadets. The
Poole Sea Cadets Annual Camp 2023 Read More »
During the summer of 2023 twelve cadets and staff sailed on the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland’s Alba Explorer to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition. Their voyage started in Oban and finished in Hartlepool ten days later. The cadets and staff were from RAF Air Cadets Scotland and Northern Ireland Region with the exception
Gold DofE Sailing Expedition 2023 Read More »
Wednesday 12th July 2023: Today, under the sunny skies of Glasbury, our acclimatisation journey began. We set off bright and early, leaving London at 07:00am. The group is filled with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming four days. By 12:30pm, we safely arrived at our campsite and took a quick break for lunch before getting
Gold Duke of Edinburgh 2023 (BDL Canoe Expedition) Read More »
In Sep 2023, 101 Engineer Regiment ran EX BLACK CHARGE 4 in Somerset, a multi-day AT package in the Cheddar Gorge area. 30 Reservists from the London, Kent and Essex regions undertook a series of land-based challenges as well as extra-curricular activities to improve their leadership skills and enhance their civilian qualifications. The aim of
Black Cat Charge 4 2023 Read More »
The aims of the expedition were to qualify 10 medically ratified personnel in the Regiment in the Summer Mountain Foundation course, and to enable 2 OCdts to gain 6 Quality Mountain Days, which can count towards their next qualification. It was a great success with all 10 participants achieving the qualification they were assessed at,
Triglav Climb 23 2023 Read More »
Over the summer 4 OCdts from ULOTC and 1 from GUOTC took part in Ex Highland Express 23, sailing through the Hebrides in Scotland. The crew sailed through stunning waters experiencing some challenging conditions that put their individual and combined skills to the test. These OCdts, some of which were novices, developed their Offshore Sailing
Highland Express 23 2023 Read More »
Over the course of a week in August, 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (The Scottish and Ulster Gunners) and Exeter Officers’ Training Corps deployed to the Shetland Islands on Ex Tammie Norrie, an Adventurous Training (AT) expedition. Over the seven days, the three groups aimed to achieve one of the following qualifications; Rock Climbing Foundation Course
Northern Tammie-Norrie 2023 Read More »
“Teamwork is certainly put to the test when living, sleeping and working within 34 foot of each other for a week” OCdt Oliver Irons In September 2023 five officer cadets and a member of staff from Northumbrian Universities Officer Training Corps (NUOTC) embarked on Exercise Highland Express. This military adventure training exercise is an annual
Northern Highland Express 2023 Read More »
On 10 August 2023 eleven members of East Midlands Universities Officer Trg Corps (EMUOTC) began their journey to Wales in order to experience 8 days of mountain biking. For some in the group, this was their first time mountain biking on technical terrain, while for others it provided an opportunity for them to hone their
Dragon Wales EMU 23 2023 Read More »
After finishing their training year at EMUOTC a group of Officer Cadets conducted an Adventure Training expedition in Snowdonia where they conducted training in scrambling, single and multi-pitch climbing. AIM. The expedition’s aim was to train and introduce Officer Cadets to single and multi-pitch rock climbing, alongside scrambling. This aimed to enhance their mental and
Dragon Summit EMU 23 2023 Read More »
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
Dragon Slim Scale 23 Read More »
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
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
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
Y28/29P (Brixham-Gosport) 2 weeks (DofE Exped G & S) 2023 Read More »
After raising the funds which was required for the cadets to go offshore in the month of April it was eventually time. The cadets worked hard to raise money as well as receiving bursaries from the Ulysses Trust which has helped massively towards the cost of their offshore voyage. All cadets were excited as only
Offshore Voyage TS John Jerwood 2023 Read More »
From 8th to 17th August 2023, the North West Officer Training Regiment (NWOTR) embarked on Ex Northern Alpine, a klettersteig (Via-Ferrata) expedition in Bavaria. The Bavarian landscape, with its rugged terrain and spectacular vistas, set the stage for a new experience that blended physical challenges with personal growth for us. For many of us, it
Northern Alpine 23 2023 Read More »
As the 22/23 school year ended, 72 cadets and 15 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) from Clwyd and Gwynedd ACF (C&G ACF), Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF (D&G ACF) and Gwent and Powys ACF (G&P ACF) were preparing for what would be the trip of a lifetime. 18 months of planning and preparation had finally come
Kwazulu-Natal Ddraig 2023 Read More »
Introduction: Ex WYVERN MIDGARD TRAVELLER provided the opportunity for individuals to participate in mountaineering and canoeing in the hills and fjords in the Setesdal Region of Norway as well as having the opportunity to attain a Summer Mountaineering Foundation (SMF) qualification and to deliver leadership and resilience training to OCdts and staff through a mixed
Wyvern Midgard Traveller 2023 Read More »
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
Tiger Swiss Rock 2023 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, navigation and water sports,
Leicestershire District Silver and Gold D of E Expedition 2023 – Part 2 Read More »
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
Tiger Cara Nordic 2023 Read More »
Over the period 22nd to 25th June 2023, 18 CFAVs and Cadets headed to the Lake District from Somerset to complete 3 days of Summer Mountaineering and take part in the Care of Police Survivors Light the Lakes Event.The Light the Lakes has become an established event in the climber’s diary where Police Officers, colleagues
Light The Lakes 2023 Read More »
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
Dragon Slim Leven 2023 Read More »
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
For the second year running students and staff of Wales UOTC assembled at Maindy Barracks with the prospect of a week’s mountain biking in one of Europe’s premier MTB areas – the Port Du Soleil. The 20hr drive completed we arrived at our chalet – staff and students sorting out our unit bikes and a
Dragon Morzine 2023 Read More »
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
Dragon Slim Geyser 2023 Read More »
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,
Wyvern Paddle 2023 Read More »
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
Ex NORTHERN AMAZONAS FORTUNE was a 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment Kayaking / Canoeing expedition to the Rio Urubu, Amazonas District, Brazil, 23 June – 08 July 2023. A physically and mentally demanding expedition, conducted in one of the most bio-diverse and challenging environments on Earth, where 13 novices and 2 instructors completed an
Northern Amazonas Fortune Read More »
Cirdan Sailing Adventure – 3 to 9 April 2023 1163 (Colne Valley) Squadron and 308 (Colchester) Squadron Air Training Corps Report compiled by Corporal James Taplin Day 1 – Monday 3 April Not that we knew it yet, but as the cadets loaded the minibus and trailer at our HQ with 12 cadets and 2 staff from 1163
Achieve Together 2023 Read More »
In July 2023 KES CCF Royal Naval Section ran a three-day expedition to Pembrokeshire targeted at the Year 11 cadets who are staying with the Section into Sixth Form and will be our future young leaders. These 12 cadets have been with the Section for two years, but have been absent from CCF since Easter
KES Pembroke Dragon 2023 Read More »
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
COMAL Venturer 2023 Read More »
“On the wall, your life in the hands of your climbing partner – It’s like one big trust exercise. The exercise has 100% made us all friends for life” OCdt Hibbs“I believe that my mental and physical resilience has improved during this trip; from being able to look at a rock face and understand how
Northern Ahawanee Warrior 23 2023 Read More »
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
Our expedition to Annapurna Base camp, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, proved a challenging yet rewarding endeavour for the fourteen members of our team who set out to conquer this arduous expedition. The objective was clear: to reach the base camp of the majestic Annapurna Mountain, which would set out to test our
Finn Himalayan Serpent 2023 Read More »
18 Cadets and 5 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers travelled from Tunbridge Wells to take part in an overseas bike expedition along the beaches of Normandy, France. Many training evenings took place to help the cadets gain experience and confidence when using the trailers attached to the bikes and for each cadet to be sized up
Pedal Overlord 2023 Read More »
Nestled within the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, the Yosemite National Park emerges as a captivating tapestry of awe-inspiring natural wonders. With its iconic granite cliffs, glacial valleys, thunderous waterfalls, and ecological diversity, the national park and its majestic Yosemite Valley offered the perfect setting for an expedition. In Mid-May a team
Northern Yosemite Saltire 2023 Read More »
After raising the funds which was required for the cadets to go offshore in the month of April it was eventually time. The cadets worked hard to raise money as well as receiving bursaries from the Ulysses trust which has helped massively towards the cost of their offshore voyage. Just before we were about to
Offshore Voyage TS Jack Petchey 2023 Read More »
Forty eight cadets aged between 13 and 18 years from Greater London South East Sector, Army Cadet Force spend the half term break (27 May to 3 June 2023) in Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales as part of an adventurous training package aimed at challenging and developing the young people by encouraging them to try new
Cockney Venture Novice 11 2023 Read More »
Over the Bank Holiday weekend of 28 Apr to 01 May over 80 cadets and staff from across Derbyshire Sector RAFAC (Trent Wing) descended upon Barn Farm campsite near Birchover for the Sector DofE Expedition weekend for 2023, fully supported by the Ulysses Trust and RAF Charitable Trust. The teams were a mix of Silver
Dofe 2023 Assessed Read More »
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
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, navigation and water sports,
Leicestershire District Silver and Gold D of E Expedition 2023 – Part 1 Read More »
Exercise Telemark Challenger was the Army Cadets 2023 premier national Adventurous Training (AT) expedition and our first overseas venture since the relaxation of COVID regulations and travel stabilisation across Europe. The expedition saw 18 Army Cadets aged 15 plus and 4 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) from across the UK undertake a 14 day Nordic
Telemark Challenger 2023 Read More »
Members of Yorkshire Officers Training Corps embarked on a thrilling kayaking and canoeing trip through the heart of the Ardèche, an experience that left everyone in awe of the region’s breath-taking beauty. Our journey began in the quiet village of La Gare, where we were equipped with paddles, life jackets and an eager spirit. However,
Northern Paddle – 2023 Read More »
Snow Camp is a national youth charity that uses snowsports to drive social mobility via its three-tier programme. The entry stage is First Tracks, a two-day course at a local dry slope or indoor snow facility. The intermediate stage is Graduate which takes place over six Saturdays or Sundays in the autumn term and the
Snow Camp Excel 2023 Read More »
The Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force conducted its biennial Norway Winter Exercise/Exchange with HV02 District Oslo and Akershus at Hiestadmoen Training Camp (Telemark, Norway) over 17th to 26th Feb 2023 with 8 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) and 25 Cadets (15 – 17yrs). AimThe primary aim for running the exchange is to offer
Venturer Stag XXV 17th – 26th Feb 2023 Read More »
On 16 February 2023 Calday Grange Grammar School CCF and Birkenhead CCF completed their expedition to Norway , returning back to the UK having taken part in a wide variety of winter skills. Background 2 years in planning the expedition was to take place at Bylke, Norway – where weather conditions would challenge both staff
Northern Venture Norwegian Troll 3 2023 Read More »
Ex Frosted piste was took place in Les Arcs, a Resort located in Savoie France within the Tarentaise Valley. Officer cadets took part in Ski Foundation (SF) courses of varying ability with many having not skied before and were based in the UCPA centre situated just outside of Arcs 1600. The SF2 course is an
Northern Frozen Piste 23 2023 Read More »
Our now annual Scottish exploit is in it’s 15th year but due to COVID has had to reset its ambitions to year 1 of a four year development programme that takes place over two phases Y10 & 11, and L6 and U6. Our long serving commercial instructors now have an expectation of great support and
Northern Jacobite Venturer 2023 Read More »
On the 11th February 2023, the ‘advance party’ of officer cadets and staff from Cambridge University Officer Training Corps headed off on their long drive towards Calpe, arriving at our cabin the following afternoon. They carried all of the group’s personal and climbing kit ensuring that we weren’t restricted by weight through flight luggage allowances.
Dragon Calpe Blue 23 2023 Read More »
During the February school half term, 40 RAF Air Cadets and 13 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 a variety of resort locations in Southern Bavaria and Austria. This
Alpine Adventure 2023 Read More »
Three hours west of Oslo lies Norway’s premier ice climbing destination. Nestled in a strikingly beautiful, deep east-west oriented valley, the lack of winter sunshine falling on the town of Rjukan results in a gloriously extended climbing season. With numerous and highly varied frozen waterfalls throughout the valley we were spoiled for choice, from the
Northern Remec Winter 23 Part 2 2023 Read More »
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Canford School CCF had, for a number of years, been embarking on a cross-country skiing expedition to Norway. After an enforced hiatus we were delighted to be able to offer this trip once again this year, to cadets across both detachments of our CCF (army, navy with an RM section)
Canford Norway23 2023 Read More »
Ex TIGER WINTER INTRO was a winter mountaineering exercise for members of Regional Command Headquarters. The unique challenge of the exercise involved making Adventurous Training accessible and worthwhile for a group of ‘more-mature’ service personnel, who still had the urge to be stretched and challenged, but without the intensity of demanding physical activity associated with
Tiger Winter Intro 2023 Read More »
On the 5th of January 2023, the Scottish mountains beckoned us. East Midlands University Officer Training Corps and one member from Birmingham Officer Training Corps set off on a 7-hour drive for the Scottish Highlands, with 21 Army Officer Cadets, 1 Regular Soldier, 1 Reserve Soldier, 4 Instructors and 1 Trainee Instructor and an Army
Dragon Highland Emu 2023 Read More »
Exercise Snowpiercer – RAF Air Cadet Ski Expedition to Pila, Aosta Valley, Italy. 30 December 2022 – 06 January 2023 33 cadets and 9 Cadet Force Adult Volunteer staff undertook an overseas ski expedition to Italy, the first overseas expedition of this magnitude for Trent Wing, and for Derbyshire Sector – following the relaxation of
Snowpiercer 331 2022 Read More »
Garth Miller climbed to the summit of Mt. Everest in record time (3 weeks from leaving home) – a tale of courage and determination that will inspire young people, and adults alike. Garth is an Army Reserve officer, a captain for British Airways, and an extra-ordinary mountaineer. The Ulysses Trust funds cadets and Reservists (like
Speakers for Schools: Lightning Ascent of Everest Read More »
At the end of September 58 members of the RNR came together from 12 units for the annual RNR Sailing Expedition, this time bigger than ever. Build Up Keen to build on the success of previous years, a dedicated small team of Naval Reservists spent months planning this weekend of adventure in the Solent. Each RNR
National RNR Sail 2022 Read More »
Early August 2022, 40 air cadets from across No.2 Sector London Wing (North East London) travelled to Stubbers Outdoor Activity centre in Essex for a weekend residential to carry out adventurous activities to challenge each individual and carry them out of their comfort zone. Schools closed for the Summer Holidays and was the prime time
Stubbers Elite 2022 Read More »
Originally planned for 2020 but delayed by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fourteen members of 37 Signal Regiment finally set off for the adventure of a lifetime on 21 November 2022. PLANNING Planning and executing an oversees expedition is no mean feat. From funding, medical plans, pre deployment training, sourcing kit and equipment,
Exercise Dragon Himalayan Endeavour; a major pan-Army expedition to summit Himlung Himal (7126m) was first put into motion 2019. Led by Major Gethin Davies, it wasn’t until September 2022 following a necessary expedition pause due to COVID-19, that the 25-strong expedition arrived in Nepal. Between 2019 and 2022 the team began their expedition training which
Dragon Himalayan Endeavour 2022 Read More »
After nearly three years in the planning, including a confirmatory recce to the Caribbean, and despite the challenges presented by Covid-19, nothing could have prepared Cumbria ACF for the eye-watering news received 11 days before departure. EXERCISE ATLANTIC VENTURE, Cumbria ACF’s inaugural Cadet Exchange with the Turks and Caicos Islands Cadet Force, is cancelled for
Atlantic/Antiguan Adventure 2022 Read More »
After a few months of planning, Youth group, barnsley sea cadets, enjoyed an adventure weekend at PGL, a UK activities camp 30 September to 2 October 2023. PGL caythorpe Court is based in the heart of Lincolnshire countryside is the perfect for youth group weekends. It had 64 acres of countryside and has plenty of accommodation
Adventure weekend 2022 Read More »
Held from the 21st to the 28th October 2022 in Cyprus INTRODUCTION Ex Venturer Aphrodite’s Odyssey was a pilot overseas adventure training (AT) exercise organised by Shropshire Army Cadet Force (SACF). The exercise took place in Cyprus as a multi activity package conducted over 21 – 28 Oct 22. AIM The aim of this exercise
Venturer Aphrodite’s Odyssey 1 2022 Read More »
Ex Dragon Barbarian Odyssey 4 – 5 – 13 Nov 2022 Diving Expedition to Malta Achievements 5 Newly Qualified Diving First Aid Trained in (BSAC Oxygen Administration) 7 Newly Qualified Ocean Divers 1 Newly Qualified Advanced Diver Logbook experience for all Sports Divers and Dive Leaders towards their next diving grades. Depth progression Sports Divers
Dragon Barbarian Odyssey 4 2022 Read More »
Location: Cyprus – Episkopi – Troodos & RAF Akrotiri Following 18 months in the planning and preparation stage saw 47 cadets, 18 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and 2 Cadet Training team members begin their expedition to Cyprus for a week of amazing opportunities and challenging activities, arriving at the UK airport with their cases to
Olympus Eagle 2022 Read More »
Sixteen members from the National Reserve Headquarters Royal Artillery (NRHQ RA) took part in Exercise COCKNEY RATTLESNAKE 22 in September 2022, an overseas adventurous training expedition to the Lake Tahoe region of California and Nevada, USA. The aim was to complete the 172-mile Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) around the Lake Tahoe basin rim (not shore
Cockney Rattlesnake 2022 Read More »
Following months of planning and training, Ex Squamish Rocks has been a huge milestone in my rock-climbing journey. The expedition was an all-round resounding success, meeting its aims of proving both novice and instructor climbers with three weeks to develop and practice their skills on some of the best accessible rock climbs in North America.
Squamish Rocks 2022 Read More »
Who?8 RAFMA adventurers from across the UK. What?The northern portion of the Grande Randonnée (GR) 20, widely considered Europe’s toughest trek. A total of 105km trekked and 8,100m climbed over 9 days, starting in Calenzana and finishing in Vivvazona. When?8-20 September 2022 – the tail end of the summer season on Corsica. Delayed from 2021
Corsican Venture 22 2022 Read More »
