“What had gone away was a typical urban, self-centred teenager and what returned was a much more appreciative, polite, self-sufficient adult. The transformation was astonishing. Nor can I thank you enough for the support you gave the expedition, without it Laura would never have been able to do something like that. The accomplishment was more than a walk it has altered her self-belief and approach to life. My thanks to The Ulysses Trust for their continued support of young people finding themselves.”

A mother of a cadet following an expedition to the mountains of Corsica.

“It was great to try doing something completely different at half term, I really enjoyed everything.”

Cdt Stephenson | Barnard Castle School CCF | Ex: Adventure Training 2019

On 16th February 2019 five Cadets and two staff from Barnard Castle School CCF embarked on the CCF’s biennial Adventure Training in Cairngorm National Park in Scotland.

“I enjoyed the experience and view of being in the Alps and learning skills of mountaineering and expedition planning.”

Cadet Sargent Harry Kingston | West Mercian Wing Air Training Corps | Ex: Alpine Eldelweiss 2019

This challenging trek saw all members of the group complete part of the Chamonix to Zermatt Haute route and culminating in the ascent of Underrrothorn.

“I had an incredible time here in Bavaria, doing amazing activities where I pushed myself to my limits. I highly recommend this to anyone.”

The aim of the exercise was to to take Cadets & Adult Staff to Bavaria, Germany; to give them the chance to take part in an array of adventurous training activities outside of remit and terrain they would normally operate in.

“Doing DofE has given me a new motivation for staying in cadets and the reason I returned from Covid lockdown when others didn’t – I am really chuffed to final get an award.”

Over the early May Bank Holiday weekend the seven Sqns from Derbyshire Sector RAFAC, Trent Wing undertook a Sector Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Expedition weekend, the first for many years and for most Sqns the first AT activity of any sort since the Covid 19 restrictions had eased

“This is the sort of thing I joined cadets for and I really feel my confidence and team skills developed over the weekend with all the different activities and I hope the new cadets get chance to repeat next year!”

The aim of this expedition was to give an opportunity for new (post Covid) cadets from across the seven units in the sector to undertake their first residential camp whilst learning and developing new skills that they can use in day to day Sqn life.

“This is the most challenging thing that I have ever done, living on a boat with 12 fellow cadets took a lot of getting used to. As well as my Bosun duties I was also allocated cooking duties. Making a meal for 18 people in such a small kitchen was a challenge.”

Jelson Konthuruthy – Allocated role Radio Officer | Ex: Gold DofE Sailing Expedition 2022

“Completing my DofE Gold expedition in Norway was an amazing opportunity that was thoroughly enjoyable as well as challenging. It pushed us to our limits and developed key essential skills on top of the navigation including teamwork, determination and communication. It was a great way to help bond our group of cadets even further to enable us to work together even better at the top of the Contingent in leadership roles this year.”

Zara – Senior cadet and new Head of Recruits | Oakham School CCF | Ex: Telemark Cadet 2022

“My DofE gold expedition to Norway was an experience not to be forgotten! It strengthened my ability to work within a team to be able to complete our goal; from map and compass reading to making sure we got back on track if we’ve been lost. Being in the countryside and walking with amazing views and friends really made the walk worth it and I will never forget the experience.”

Georgina – Senior Cadet | Oakham School CCF | Ex: Telemark Cadet 2022

“I have never been so scared, but my teammates supported me throughout and if it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would have had the courage to complete the course. You really do value your friends at such hard times.”

Cdt Sgt Nicole Mosquera | Ex: Big Lakes 2022

“Venturing outdoors and in an area of the UK that I have never been was amazing! It brought me closer to my teammates and refreshed my mind.”

Cadet Sergeant William Tano – Ex: Big Lakes 2022

“I think everyone that took part would agree that although the trip was a challenge, it pushed us to go beyond our limits to form new friendships, share knowledge and embody the Standards & Values of TWGGS CCF. I would recommend Gold DofE to any cadet who is willing to expand on their cadet experience.”

Lance Corporal Layana Joshy – Ex: Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition 2022

“You build a connection like no other when you jump out of a plane together” 

Cadet Liam Pollitt – Ex: NACF Skydive Seville 2022

“I have never seen [my son] so happy and confident .. you have all done so much for him thank you all.”

A parent – Ex: Cockney Venture Novice 10 2022

“I’ve loved learning about how the yacht can work from the Skipper. He has answered all of my questions and helped me be able to raise the sails by using the halyards and the winches. I would like to come back as a volunteer to be able to help other people get this same experience.”

CCF student – Ex: Tall Ships Offshore Sailing Expedition 2022

“I have learnt not to be afraid of trying new things and to challenge myself further. I went out of my comfort zone and did things that I thought I would never do such as jumping in the water. I can’t swim but still challenged myself and took my chance to complete every single opportunity that has been given to me. I have gained skills such as self commitment, confidence, willingness to try new things, taking risks, taking on different challenges and greater responsibility.”

Cdt L Cpl Nicola Chumber – Ex: Snowdonia – Outward Bound 2022

“The weekend was great, I had such a good time being a kid again and laughing with my friends. My favourite part was competing with staff in a rock climbing challenge. Since the weekend I have felt more confident in myself and felt like I have got some of my childhood back. I have memories for life and I have made some new friends and recovered friendship from pre covid which fell apart during the pandemic.”

Cadet Elsworth – Ex: Adventure weekend 2022

“The activities really pushed me out of my comfort zone and I would have never done them without going on this exercise.”

A cadet – Ex: Olympus Eagle 2022