Rain, Resilience and Rainbows: RGS Pupils Conquer Expedition Weekend Challenges
Intrepid pupils headed off across the UK for their expedition weekend with the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme. From enduring torrential rain and high winds to navigating canoes on stormy waters, pupils demonstrated resilience, teamwork and determination throughout their adventures.
Army CCF Cadets Conquer Storm Amy in Weekend Field Exercise
Over the weekend, 44 Cadets from the CCF Army section faced one of their toughest challenges yet: a field training exercise (FTX) battling not just hypothetical enemies but the reality of Storm Amy, which swept through with relentless rain and high winds. Despite the demanding conditions, Cadets showed impressive resilience, completing critical training and culminating in a successful night exercise.
Training Under Torrential Skies
Cadets camped in the woods under bashas, improvised shelters, which offered limited but essential protection from the elements. The schedule remained flexible as weather conditions shifted:
- Dry Phases: When the rain eased, Cadets practised laser shotgun training, where Cadet Sgt Freddie Fielding earned the title of Best Shot of the weekend. They also completed camouflage and concealment exercises and orienteering in preparation for the night exercise.
- Wet Phases: During heavy rain and wind, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) led indoor and sheltered instruction. Junior Cadets developed essential skills in day and night movement, map building and six-section battle drills – skills that would later prove crucial.
Night Exercise: Skills Put to the Test
A brief respite from the storm allowed the Cadets to put their learning into practice. Using their newly honed navigation and tactical skills, they carried out a reconnaissance of an ‘enemy’ position and gathered intelligence in challenging conditions. Even when another squall hit during the night, morale remained high.
A Resilient March Out
As dawn broke, the Cadets were rewarded with a spectacular sight: rainbows arching over the hills as they marched out of camp. Spirits lifted, they quickened their pace, keen to reach the coach before the next downpour.
Major Howard Smith, Section Leader i/c CCF Army
Royal Navy CCF Cadets Visit Britannia Royal Naval College
The Royal Navy section of the CCF embarked on an exciting trip to Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth. After a three-hour journey, plans to visit Slapton Sands were changed due to poor weather, and the group instead explored Dartmouth’s local museum to learn about its naval heritage.
Upon arrival at BRNC, the Cadets met their Liaison Officer, Lt Cdr Rennie, who gave them an inspiring tour of the college’s impressive facilities – including the chapel, mosque and grand dining hall. After dinner, they enjoyed a competitive game of tag archery before turning in for the night.
The following day began with the Gun Run challenge, followed by a session in the Bridge Simulator, where Cadets took turns steering and navigating a virtual ship, practising teamwork and decision-making under pressure. They also enjoyed bouldering, marching drills and swimming – some even attempting the official Royal Naval swim test.
A particular highlight was a tour of the Captain’s nine-bedroom house, where Cadets met Stanley, the Captain’s friendly dog. The final day began with the raising of morning colours, before Cadets took to the water on a thrilling RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) ride, spotting several seals along the way.
The Cadets expressed their gratitude to Sub-Lieutenant Morris for organising such an unforgettable trip, and to Commander Shorrocks and Sub-Lieutenant Stuart for their support throughout.
Cadets Sanehi and Mulvey
RAF CCF Cadets Visit RAF Little Rissington
The RAF section of the CCF enjoyed a rewarding and inspiring trip to RAF Little Rissington, where Cadets immersed themselves in RAF life and developed valuable practical skills.
A major highlight of the day was the success of the new Cadets, all of whom passed their Leading Cadet qualification, marking an important milestone in their CCF journey. Cadets also experienced flight simulators, gaining an exciting insight into the precision and teamwork required in aviation.
Older Cadets took the opportunity to mentor the newer members, guiding them through challenges and competitions that were fiercely contested; only a few points separated the top teams by the end.
The trip offered a perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment, leaving Cadets motivated and proud of their progress within the CCF RAF section.
Mr Neil Rowlinson, Section Leader i/c CCF RAF
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Training Expedition, Llanrug, North Wales
If one word could describe the recent Gold Duke of Edinburgh training expedition, it would be wild!
Forty-one students travelled to Llanrug, North Wales, after school on Thursday 2 October. Upon arrival, they pitched tents in the dark as Storm Amy began to move in – a storm that persisted for the next 60 hours.
The following days were spent mastering canoeing on Llanberis Lake, learning how to control, manoeuvre and recover canoes in particularly challenging conditions. Despite the weather, the students displayed exceptional perseverance and teamwork. Even with little sleep and constant rain, they tackled every task with enthusiasm.
Capsize and recovery drills proved to be unexpectedly popular; by that point, everyone was already soaked! Students also had the opportunity to try sailing canoes, which required excellent coordination and offered a brief reprieve from the physical demands of paddling.
The expedition was a resounding success, despite the elements. The focus now shifts to the volunteering, skill and physical sections of the Award before the next practice expedition in April 2026.
Mr Gwilym Batchelder, Head of Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
DofE Silver Training Expedition, Long Mynd
Our Silver Duke of Edinburgh participants completed their Training Expedition on Long Mynd in Shropshire, showing remarkable resilience in some extremely challenging weather conditions.
Guided by dedicated members of staff, pupils developed their navigation, safety and campcraft skills while demonstrating outstanding teamwork and determination throughout. They supported one another at every stage, embodying the true spirit of the DofE Award.
Mrs Catherine Rhodes-Jones, Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator
