August 2017
Surrey Army Cadet Force Annual Camp 2017
The Surrey Army Cadet Force Annual Camp 2017 (AC17) was held at West Tofts Camp, Thetford. The Commandant’s intent was for the Adventurous Training Officer (AT) to provide two days of physically and mentally challenging, fun activities for each Cadet. Fortunately the Thetford area offers excellent opportunities for young people, especially at the Thorpe ‘Woodland Adventure’ Centre; which is an education-linked facility that provides a superb selection of stalwart AT activities at a very competitive price. They included Kayaking, Canoeing, Raft Building; as well as Tree Climbing, Tree Trekking along with a trapeze, zipwire, powerfan and the ‘big swing’; all thrilling and adrenalin-raising activities set in a picturesque woodland environment.
A second day of fun activity chosen was a slightly unconventional one in AT terms but it proved to be an ideal choice that was hugely popular with the Cadets who undertook various pursuits and enjoyable activities in ‘Themed Game Zones’ set deep in Thetford Forest. Using some of the latest technology of ‘lazer tag guns’ in combat scenarios, they were able to enjoy a variety of fun and challenging experiences working together in teams in a closely controlled safe environment. The pictures will speak louder than the words to show how absorbing the varying activities were. All Cadets experienced run-around Laser Tag ‘war games’, Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, Laser Archery and more! It proved to be a well-marshalled, safe and unforgettable experience for all; borne out by the positive feedback received from each group of very tired but happy Cadets at the end of each AT Day.
The generous Grant from The Connaught Trust truly did help provide a diverse, physically and mentally challenging yet fun AT experience. The resultant bonding and teamwork clearly fed into other activities which enhanced other elements of the Camp Training syllabus. It was a joy to see inspired Surrey Army Cadets making the most of their Annual Camp 2017. The Connaught Trust Grant undoubtedly assisted the County to achieve the Commandant’s Intent… so everybody went home happy!
It was my final Annual Camp with Surrey ACF as County Adventurous Training Officer, so I would like to offer my sincere and grateful thanks to The Trustees for kindly considering and granting some much needed funding to offset costs of delivering AT on Camp during my tenure. I am happy to report that each occasion was highly successful from an AT perspective.
Terry Hall Captain TLG Hall
Adventurous Training Officer
Surrey (PWRR Bn) Army Cadet Force
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