Cadets on their way to award
AGROUP of Cheshire Fire Cadets have taken up the challenge and completed their final expedition, towards gaining a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Cadets from Macclesfield were among 40 youngsters who completed the final expedition which consisted of a full day’s walk.
Each cadet gained key skills in map reading, pitching tents and cook- ing outdoors as part of the weekend.
They also completed a two-day training exercise in May to get themselves ready for this final expedition.
They now need to included skill, volunteering and physical elements to achieve the award.
In small groups of between six and seven, the teams started their expedition at Little Budworth and ended it at Acton Bridge.
They walked for eight hours, carrying all of their equipment which included tents, food and cooking equipment, before camping in Shays Farm, Little Budworth. They then cooked their own meals using stoves.
Vicky Wrest, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service cadet manager said: “This is the first time the group have been out without an escort, and it seems their map reading skills were up to scratch and the May weekend training paid off!
“They all performed very well on the final expedition which will go towards them getting their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, despite the poor weather conditions.”
The Cheshire Fire Cadets is for youngsters aged between 12 and 17.
It gives the members and insight into working within a uniformed service and provides an opportunity to develop personal and social skills by promoting self-discipline, team work and citizenship.
Members learn the basic skills of a firefighter while participating in a wide range of activities in and around the fire station.
Macclesfield Cadets meet on a Wednesday night.
Vicky added: “If anyone is interested in becoming a Cheshire Fire Cadet don’t hesitate to get in touch.
“All cadets are given the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award absolutely free of charge, which looks fantastic on your CV.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Cheshire Fire Cadet, or you know of someone else who is, then please visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.