Army cadets return from fun-packed summer camp at Okehampton

Making a change from the streets of Staffordshire and the West Midlands, young army cadets have recently returned home from 8 days summer camp at an army training camp in Devon.

More than 650 cadets and Instructors from Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force (ACF) visited Okehampton Training Camp to take part in exhilarating, fun and challenging adventurous training activities and military exercises for their annual summer camp.

The cadets, aged 12 to 18 years old, had the opportunity to try out kayaking, sailing, raft building, mountain biking and a chance to scale a high wire obstacle course at nearby Roadford Lake. In between white-knuckle activities, they practised their first aid skills, map and compass reading, rifle shooting, and archery along with their military knowledge and safe weapon handling tests before spending days out on field training exercises.

The cadets, under supervision of adult instructors, lived under canvas in 'bashas', and barns when not in camp, and ate food cooked by themselves from 24-hour ration packs.

West Park Cadet Stephanie Godfrey, 15, said, "I have been an Army cadet for 2 years and have loved every minute of it. Annual camps are great fun and this year has been fantastic." Fellow West Park cadet Bianca Kumari, 15, added, "Being an Army cadet allows you to try something different. I have been a cadet for two years and joined because my friends are cadets."

Sir James Hawley KCVO, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of Staffordshire visited the camp and had the opportunity to see the high standard of training on offer to the cadets during their time on camp. Visitors’ Day later in the week was attended by Senior Officers and Civil Dignitaries, who, after being greeted at the guardroom, were briefed during an opening presentation by the Commandant before being escorted to various training locations in and around the camp and training area.

Commandant of Staffordshire & West Midlands ACF, Colonel Kim Knutton said, "It has been an excellent annual camp. The weather has been favourable, the food delicious and the training extensive. The cadets and adult instructors alike have had a great time and we are already looking forward to next year's camp. Looking after all these young people is a challenging task and I'm really grateful to the adult volunteers and permanent staff who give up their time so generously for our future citizens."