CCF Camp Training Time

All sections of the CCF have been out recently refining their skills ready for the Summer Camps.

Twenty one Year 9 CCF Army cadets attended the Skill at Arms rifle training and testing on Saturday 17 May to complete part of their One Star Cadet training standard. Hot and sunny conditions were conducive for intensive training which tested the cadet’s ability to respond to commands and remember the complicated series of handling skills. With a number passing their Weapon Handling Tests first time, we really look forward to them all doing their first live fire range day later on July’s Summer Camp.

For the RAF May Camp the cadets were given the opportunity to visit Fort Purbrook on the Saturday where they participated in Archery, Air Rifles, Assault Course and Laser Tag.  On the Sunday they went on a visit to the Army Air Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Wiltshire.  This gave them an insight into how flimsy some of the gliders were in the second world war, with some made from wooden frames with canvas stretched over them, or wooden paneled gliders used to transport tanks.

The Royal Navy CCF Section were also in action. Last Saturday saw the cadets try their paddle skills in kayaks and Canadian canoes and they were surprisingly quick to get wet, although for some it seemed really quite accidental. Some basic skills (such as emptying boats!) as well as balance and agility were practised before heading up Chichester canal for a small excursion to admire the flora and fauna – sometimes at closer quarters than wished as brambles and nettles leapt out at the paddlers! Sunday was spent mountain-biking  in Queen Elizabeth Country Park where, by the end of the day, every cadet and completed the ride from top to bottom including berms and mini-jumps!