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6th May 2013

Bedford Cadets Brave Catterick Conditions

Staff and cadets from 134 (Bedford) Squadron, were among 300 Air Cadets who participated in the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing Annual Fieldcraft Camp, held at Wathgill Camp, Catterick Garrison , North Yorkshire. Whilst away, the cadets undertook a variety of tasks in a demanding programme, designed to challenge their mental agility, physical robustness, leadership and teamwork. This encompassed Fieldcraft training, land navigation, bridge building, first aid, climbing and abseiling and radio training, all of which culminated in a 36 hour Field Exercise.

The 300 cadets were split down into flights of 25 and the cadets had to set aside local rivalries in order to work together and operate as a unit for the duration of the camp. The cadets were faced with many challenges during the week, one of which was the relentless cold weather . However, they managed to cope with the conditions by ensuring they were well prepared and worked together as a team.

FS Jonathon Bell (18) who led a Flight of cadets commented , “I really enjoyed developing my leadership and management skills throughout the week. I had a lot of cadets who were on camp for the first time . This really tested both my and the senior cadets', with whom I worked, organisational and welfare skills . All the cadets left the Camp wanting to come back next year and so , for me , that made the week worthwhile”.

The cadets have now returned to their respective squadrons and it is hoped that they will pass on all the skills and knowledge gained to the other cadets in their unit.