Fortnight of fun for cadets

Fortnight of fun for cadets

10 August 2016

THE summer holidays got off to an energetic start for teenage Cadets from Ballygowan, Saintfield and Ballynahinch when they tackled a packed programme of sport and outdoor pursuits at annual camp at Strensall in Yorkshire.

While many of their teenage classmates are using the holidays to catch up on social media, snatch a few post-exam lie-ins, or simply hang around at home, these motivated teenagers have been facing a fortnight of challenge, craic and camping.

Colonel Keith Dowell, Commandant of 2nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force said the annual camp continues to be a highlight of the Cadet year. 

“It’s a great opportunity for kids to let off steam and enjoy themselves after a tough year in school. However, while school may be out for summer, learning certainly doesn’t stop, for our Cadets learn great new skills at annual camp where they have the opportunity to try all kinds of new sports and outdoor pursuits.

“Providing those opportunities, complete with expert tuition and professional supervision, would stretch most family budgets but, for Cadets, annual camp costs are kept deliberately low – earning great feedback from mums and dads. As a matter of policy, we aim to ensure all our activities are either low cost or totally free. We even provide free uniforms.”

Colonel McDowell said what is even more important is that parents know that “we’ll work to bring out the best in their kids, helping them not only to build skills and confidence, but also to make lasting, supportive friendships.”

He added: “As the Cadets from Down demonstrate, real life played out in the great outdoors with your mates can be much more rewarding than virtual living with mobile and computer.”

At the end of the summer, Cadet detachments across County Down will be launching a major campaign, seeking new recruits for school and open detachments.  To find out more about what the Army, Sea or Air Cadets can offer, contact 0800 730 730 or visit www.reservesandcadetsni.org.uk.