Royal Air Force Air Cadets from 121 (Nuneaton) and 198 (Hinckley) Squadrons recently joined forces to put a total of 19 cadets through the Expedition element of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
One group of youngsters including four Nuneaton based cadets undertook their final Bronze level qualifying expedition and a further two groups of cadets, seven from Nuneaton who had spent weeks undergoing intensive training took part in their first practice expedition.
The cadets from both Squadrons worked extremely well together within their groups, each taking their part in the map reading as they navigated their way around the two day route through the Leicestershire countryside between Congerstone and Wykin, sleeping under canvas overnight at Upton Barn.
Despite the periods of intensive rain and high winds the cadets braved everything the weather could throw at them and remained in good spirits.
The expedition is the first of four different sections of the Duke of Edinburgh Award that the cadets will have to complete before they qualify for the Bronze level award, the other three elements being:-
- Volunteering – Participating in projects which help the local community.
- Skill – Learning a new skill.
- Physical Recreation – Improving their fitness through Physical Training
The 4 sections are covered as part of the training curriculum of the Air Cadets, which is the largest operating authority of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Each level of the Award Bronze, Silver and finally Gold, takes around 12 months to complete and is recognised by many organisations and prospective employers as an indicator of spirit, drive and determination in an individual.
Officer Commanding 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron Flt Lt Paul Hincks said “The cadets have worked extremely hard to get through their Bronze expeditions. I am really proud of all of them and would also like to thank all the staff from both Squadrons that got them there. The whole team, staff and cadets, from both units enjoyed the opportunity to get out into the countryside and work together so well”.
“We are now looking forward to seeing the four Nuneaton cadets who underwent the qualifying expedition complete their final elements of the Bronze level award. The other seven Nuneaton cadets who underwent their practice expedition will now need to undertake a further qualifying expedition and complete their Volunteering, Skills and Physical sections of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.”
The Nuneaton based Air Cadets are currently looking for new recruits so if you are between the age of 12 and 17 and would like the opportunity to have a go at the Duke of Edinburgh Award and all the other exciting activities that the Air Cadets have on other please visit our web-site at http://www.aircadetonline.com for more information.