Gordon’s School CCF Camp – Penally, Wales
In early July the Army section travelled to Penally camp near Tenby, Wales for this year’s central camp, run by 160 Brigade Cadet training team.
In early July the Army section travelled to Penally camp near Tenby, Wales for this year’s central camp, run by 160 Brigade Cadet training team.
The multi activity camp began with a 36 hour field exercise on Sennybridge Training Area near Brecon. The exercise involved setting up a Patrol Harbour Area, recce and standing patrols, ambushes and team fire and manoeuvre. The Cadet Training Team was extremely well organised and pitched the exercise at exactly the right level for our Cadets, teaching new skills and improving those previously learnt. The highlight of the overnight exercise was without a doubt the ambush lead by Oly Francis.
Tuesday was spent on a Watermanship stand, where the Cadets were taught various knots and lashings, rescue techniques and how to construct a raft. After a morning of learning, the afternoon was spent putting it all into practice by building rafts for two teams before taking to the water for a number of races. Amazingly, both rafts survived for the duration.
Wednesday was our Navigation day. The Cadets were split into two groups, basic and advanced. The morning was spent in camp on a ‘remind and revise’ session which included bearing and pacing. The afternoon was spent on a practical map reading exercise in a local country park. The next day was our adventure training day which consisted of kayaking, climbing and abseiling. This was a special day as Mr and Mrs Barlow were able to join us.
The final day was spent on the ranges firing the L98A2 Cadet Rifle. All the cadets had the opportunity to go through the cadet shooting test and we were delighted that everyone managed to pass, with a good number of first class shots and a few marksman thrown in as well. The Cadets also had a shoot on the LSW (Machine gun).
Evening activities included air rifle, archery, film night, drill, clay pigeon shooting and quad biking. Overall it was a fantastic week with a great bunch of Cadets. The weather was superb and the icing on the cake was the School coming away with the award for best CCF on the ranges.
Thanks to all the staff, Capt John Balmer, Capt Denis Robinson, Lt Jane Powell and Under Officer Simon Matthews for the hard work in ensuring everyone had a safe and great time.
Mr Fox - WO1 (SSI)