The Army Section Adapts, Overcomes and Thrives

Over the Easter holiday, the Army Section of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) visited the Isle of Man to participate in an Army Camp. CCF Contingent Commander and Head of Science, Commander Howard Smith shares the following report:

After a relatively calm crossing of the Irish Sea, Storm Kathleen then came into play. She tried her best to impact the scheduled activities. Sadly, the gorge walking was unable to be attempted as the river had swelled to an effective Grade 5 with all the rainfall.

The Cadets still managed to go coasteering, successfully navigate the high ropes course and zip wire, target shoot with an air rifle, abseil and climb, crate stack, throw axes and tomahawks, shoot some arrows, attempt the blind-folded confidence course and kayak where cadets gained a Paddle Sports UK award. The travel home proved interesting, with ferries cancelled, and then delayed, and coaches rearranged but eventually, we returned home at 0200hrs, tired but ready for the new (same) day.

The Cadets were excellent throughout adapting, improvising and overcoming the adversities faced, and also providing excellent entertainment to one and all. The Year Eleven Cadets even managed to clear homework, undertake revision and complete Design Technology projects whilst waiting for the ferry confirmation. They were very impressive throughout.

Major Howard Smith