Enjoying outdoor fun at army cadet camp

Enjoying outdoor fun at army cadet camp

22 May 2019

LOCAL children have been ditching their mobile phones and computer games in favour of life in the great outdoors, taking part in a week-long army cadet camp packed with adventure, craic and camaraderie.

While many of their friends were buried in their bedrooms, or hanging around with little to amuse them, energetic cadets from Detachments in Killyleagh and Ballynahinch joined others from across the region to tackle an activity programme packed with sport, sociability and outdoor pursuits. 

Colonel Sam McCammond, Commandant of the 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force, said heading off to camp, is one of the most popular elements of cadet life, and not only with the cadets.

He continued: “Parents are often only too pleased to see their teenagers leaving the computer and television behind and opting for something altogether more energetic, challenging and rewarding.  “They appreciate the benefits of getting teenagers active and involved and know that their children will be professionally supervised as they enjoy our incredible range of activities and experiences, and all without breaking the bank of mum and dad.”

Col McCammond said the relaxed fun of cadet camp provides a welcome break from some of the pressures which face our young people today. 

He explained: “At camp, the cadets are surrounded by friends old and new and, together, they are encouraged and supported to try new activities and learn new skills.  

“We provide them with the skills, qualities and development opportunities to help them become responsible and caring adults. Every accomplishment builds confidence and, in the longer term, cadet membership will also help them to compile achievement-packed CVs which will help them when they are ready to apply for university or college, or take the first steps into the world of work.”

Col McCammond added: “Our cadets have had a marvellous week at our super cadet training centre at Ballykinler camp, smashing every challenge we could throw at them and really getting into the mind- and body-stretching activity programme. They all came back tired but happy and ready for the next adventure.”

Fresh from the success of their spring adventure, Cadet Detachments across Co Down are already gearing up for their two-week summer camp breaks – trips which will take them on an amazing summer holiday adventure to England, building confidence as well as memories.  

On their return, they will be starting a new recruiting campaign, seeking new recruits for both school and open detachments across the county.

Further information about the cadets and what membership can offer is available by contacting 0800 730 730 or visit www.reservesandcadets.org.uk.