Adventurous summer break for Christ’s Hospital cadets

Many gained nationally-recognised qualifications in a wide array of cadet force courses and exchanges. Settings ranged from the splendour of the National Cadet Training Centre at Frimley Park to the remote beauty of the Yukon Territory of Northern Canada.

Four cadets completed the prestigious ATARG adventure training course run by the Royal Navy on the west coast of Scotland. Cadets George Omerod, Jamie Packham, Rhian Daniel and Tom Walker developed their mountain expedition skills in the rugged setting of the Arrochar Alps near Lochgoilhead in Argyll.

Abseiling, sailing, kayaking and riding a Royal Marines rigid raider also formed part of the week’s challenging training.

Other cadets took to the water, with Max Thomas and Alice Liu completing army qualifications in open canoeing and inland kayaking on the beautiful River Lune in Lancashire.

Daniel Storer also secured his competent crew qualification in yachting, while Joachim Childs completed a Royal Navy course in powerboating. Cadet Tom Carter instead went underwater, gaining qualifications in ocean diving with the Royal Navy in Plymouth.

Some preferred to develop their ability to take charge, completing specialist leadership courses with the armed forces. Cadet Corporals George Boyle and Tom Walker completed prestigious leadership courses run by the British Army, while Angelica Ajayi-Coker, Tom Clare and Lucy Farrely finished the senior leadership course with the Royal Navy in Plymouth.

Two cadets were also selected to take part in an international exchange with the Royal Canadian Army, spending six weeks in the remote Yukon Territory.

Dani Heath qualified as an Expedition Instructor and completed a tough 18-day expedition travelling over 400 km across the Canadian wilderness by mountain bike, canoe and on foot. Elliott Riley returned for a second year to Canada as a member of staff supporting the Canadian Army instructors.

Captain Mark Aggrey, Contingent Commander at Christ’s Hospital, commented: “The cadet force offers extraordinary opportunities for young people to develop their self-confidence, team work, leadership and sense of adventure.”

Report and picture contributed by Christs Hospital.

“Not only have the cadets picked up nationally-recognised qualifications, but hopefully they’ve picked up a lifelong love of the outdoors”.

Around 200 students are members of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Christ’s Hospital. Cadets in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force sections benefit from a programme of military and adventure training developing skills such as leadership, self-reliance, teamwork and responsibility.