Adventurous Training and DofE
Adventure Training
Adventurous and outside training comprises around 40% of the Air Cadet syllabus (the other 60% being theory-based work) and as such, there are a wide variety of activities. From climbing, to kayaking, to camping, to mountain biking; the list goes on. However, the available activities will very much depend on what your Squadron or CCF Contingent can offer (ask your CO for more details). It is important to remember, that nothing is compulsory - you do whatever you feel comfortable doing, although it is advised that you try and step outside of your comfort zone (even if it's just a little bit!). Camps also come under Adventurous Training. Annual summer camps are a great way of getting close to service life and what RAF personnel experience day-to-day: you'll sleep in accommodation blocks, eat in the airmans mess and visit various Squadrons and sections around the Station. But it's not limited to visiting Station personnel; most camps run evening activities (like bowling or paint balling) or sporting sessions, or pizza evenings. These camps can be great way to make new friends, some of whom you might keep in contact with for a very long time! There are also opportunities to go on overseas camps (if you are aged 15+), to RAF Stations in Gibraltar, Cyprus or Germany. There camps are slightly more relaxed, as you are probably fairly experienced by this point; it is likely you could gain some work experience as well! Unsurprisingly, places in these camps are fairly limited, so talk to your CO! Other camps and programmes are run for Air Cadets. For example, Drill and Ceremonial Camp and International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE is for Cadets aged between 17-19) (ask your CO for more details).
Adventurous and outside training comprises around 40% of the Air Cadet syllabus (the other 60% being theory-based work) and as such, there are a wide variety of activities. From climbing, to kayaking, to camping, to mountain biking; the list goes on. However, the available activities will very much depend on what your Squadron or CCF Contingent can offer (ask your CO for more details). It is important to remember, that nothing is compulsory - you do whatever you feel comfortable doing, although it is advised that you try and step outside of your comfort zone (even if it's just a little bit!). Camps also come under Adventurous Training. Annual summer camps are a great way of getting close to service life and what RAF personnel experience day-to-day: you'll sleep in accommodation blocks, eat in the airmans mess and visit various Squadrons and sections around the Station. But it's not limited to visiting Station personnel; most camps run evening activities (like bowling or paint balling) or sporting sessions, or pizza evenings. These camps can be great way to make new friends, some of whom you might keep in contact with for a very long time! There are also opportunities to go on overseas camps (if you are aged 15+), to RAF Stations in Gibraltar, Cyprus or Germany. There camps are slightly more relaxed, as you are probably fairly experienced by this point; it is likely you could gain some work experience as well! Unsurprisingly, places in these camps are fairly limited, so talk to your CO! Other camps and programmes are run for Air Cadets. For example, Drill and Ceremonial Camp and International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE is for Cadets aged between 17-19) (ask your CO for more details).
Duke of Edinburgh (DofE)
The DofE scheme's mission is simple: "to inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development, and recognise their achievements". There are three levels of the award: Bronze (14+), Silver (15+) and Gold (16+) (see Cadet Insignia page for Badges). For Bronze and Silver, there are four components:
The DofE scheme's mission is simple: "to inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development, and recognise their achievements". There are three levels of the award: Bronze (14+), Silver (15+) and Gold (16+) (see Cadet Insignia page for Badges). For Bronze and Silver, there are four components:
- Volunteering - Make a difference to people's lives using your skills and experience to help the community
- Physical - Get active and improve your health and physical fitness; theres something for everyone
- Skills - Find new, or perfect existing talents and skills to help you boost confidence and either help yourself or the community
- Expedition - Get outdoors and have an adventure, work as a team and act on your own initiative. Plan, train for and complete you expedition either in the UK or abroad
- Residential - Learn how to work with people from different backgrounds and build confidence living in new environments
Text adapted from Royal Air Force Air Cadets - Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence © Crown Copyright 2017
© Air Cadet 101 - Harry Briggs
© Air Cadet 101 - Harry Briggs
