Ex Snowdon Polar 2014 – Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force

Following six months of planning, preparation, training and practice, a group from ‘C’ Battery, Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force completed their DofE Gold expedition in Snowdonia last week.

Their ambitious route took in the Gwydyr Forest and crossed the immense Carneddau and Glyder mountain ranges before summiting the Snowdon Massif itself. The cadets were completely self-reliant, carrying all the equipment they required to wild-camp in remote, exposed locations and having no contact with the outside world for the duration of their 5-day journey.

Having already completed his DofE Silver practice and qualifier, and DofE Gold practice expeditions earlier this year, Bdr Joe Morris said, “I will miss the wilderness – I (almost) feel like I don’t want to go home!”

Bdr Kye Durose, for whom this was a Gold practice expedition, said “being without a phone for a week has really let me enjoy the solitude.”

2Lt Jamie van Oppen, Battery DofE Officer, said “This expedition marks the culmination of six months of planning and required five days of hard work to cross challenging terrain. The cadets should all be very proud of their achievements this week.”

The expedition was particularly arduous owing to the hot weather conditions. The cadets were grateful for a grant from the Ulysses Trust, which enabled the purchase of technical clothing appropriate for the climate.

Congratulations to SSgt James McAreavey for whom this expedition marks the completion of his DofE Gold award, and to Bdr Joe Morris and Bdr Aiden Cooper who have now completed their expedition sections. Bdr Kye Durose, LBdr Kieran Mathura and Cdt Henry Herberts used this expedition as their Gold practice.

The Gold award is the highest level of the DofE scheme and requires a minimum of 12 months’ commitment. Participants work towards their own goals in volunteering, skill, physical, expedition and residential sections in order to achieve an award that is internationally respected by universities and employers. Army Cadets are able to map their APC syllabus progress against the DofE Award sections.