Cadets on thrill-packed 10-day camp
THRILL-SEEKING cadets have marched down to Kent for a 10-day action packed adventure retreat. More than 300 youngsters between the ages of 13 and 18 from North Wales signed up for the Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force‘s (ACF) 2016 annual camp at Lydd near Folkestone, which started last Sunday ( July 26).
And among them are teenagers from Conwy, Penmaenmawr, Llandudno, and Colwyn Bay, who have spent their first week taking part in a variety of exciting activities – from quad-biking and clay-pigeon shooting to camouflage lessons and camping out under the stars.
One of the most experienced cadets at the retreat is Reubens Syddall from Llandudno Junction.
The last time the Ysgol Aberconwy pupil visited the camp was when he first joined the cadets four years ago.
This time around, however, the cadet Staff Sergeant is one of the most senior youngsters on camp and he is relishing the responsibility.
Reubens, who is a member of the Llandudno army cadets, said: “I really enjoy teaching and mentoring the younger cadets. I’d say it is one of my strong points.
“It’s quite a challenge and this year I’ve been tasked with teaching youngsters who are more advanced than what I’m used to, but I like the responsibility.
“The last time I was at this camp I had not long joined the cadets so it does bring back memories.
“Cadets is what has driven my life since then and got me pretty much where I want to be.”
Taking part in his first annual camp with the cadets this year is Sam Turner from Llandudno.
The 13-year-old Ysgol John Bright pupil said: “I’ve enjoyed everything we’ve done so far, particularly the adventure training activities such as rock-climbing and quad-biking.
“I’m also looking forward to camping out over the weekend.
“If I wasn’t here, I’d probably be at home playing computer games but with the cadets there’s so much to do.”
Other activities the cadets will be able to try their hand at during their annual camp include kayaking, paint balling, archery and first aid.
They will also be taken on a tour of nearby Dover Castle during a day-long cultural visit.
Chief of the Clwyd and Gwynedd Army cadet force, Colonel Anthony Jones, said: “Our annual camp is the highlight of the cadets’ calendar and is a great opportunity for the youngsters to socialise, keep fit and active and enjoy a wide range of activities together.
“Hopefully, they will be able to draw on their experiences during camp and apply them to their lives outside of the cadet force.”
The Clwyd and Gwynedd ACF is currently looking to recruit more cadets and adult instructors.
For more information, phone (01745) 583794 or visit https://armycadets.com/county/clwydand-gwynedd-acf