Angus and Dundee Battalion ACF has just completed a successful Annual Camp at the Barry Buddon Training Area near Carnoustie.
Cadet Force Adult Volunteers delivered the varied programme under the direction of Battalion Commandant Colonel Scott Dunn, with support provided by the Battalion’s Permanent Support Staff.
The camp ran from 17-30 July and the HRFCA Communications team visited Barry Buddon on 28 July to get a flavour of what the young people and adults experienced.
The camp was the first full-scale one since the return to relative normality following the Covid-19 restrictions. It saw around 80 cadets enjoying a packed programme of activities with a renewed focus on military skills. The bulk of these were one-star cadets.
Stands on 28 July included air rifle shooting on the range, a tombola tree task designed to expand military knowledge, an outdoor gym, inflatable assault course, first aid casualty simulation, weapons handling, navigation, and observation tasks.
Gym equipment was on loan from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Leuchars and was being used to complete a set distance using static bikes and rowing machines to raise money for charity.
There were also a variety of sports, including football, volleyball and cross country on offer to keep the cadets occupied.
Activities such as the first aid chemical spill simulation enabled adult staff to identify cadets to represent the Battalion in upcoming competitions, including the Brigade first aid competition in September, with two cadets from the group pictured (in the gallery, below) being asked to take part.
Other camp highlights included a 15km expedition to Braemar and trips to Go Ape at Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh Castle and Willowgate Activity Centre for watersports.
During the visit we talked to Corporal Hannah Haggerty and Bombardier Kyle Whitton who spoke about their highlights from camp.
Corporal Haggerty said: “I do enjoy a good bit of fieldcraft and a good bit of drill. At this camp it’s been a good laugh and great fun. I’ve made a lot of friends and saw a lot of people I hadn’t seen for a while, and got a chance to do lots of different things like the expedition up at Braemar. I also had the chance to do watersports at Willowgate. You are not always doing the same cadet syllabus, so it’s good to get out and do stuff like that.”
Bombardier Whitton added: “Probably my favourite activity this time would be fieldcraft. It’s good getting out and getting some exercise done. Nothing better.”
We also heard about the Battalion’s involvement in the Royal College of Nursing Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme. This gives young members of youth organisations aged 16-25 an introduction into potential careers in nursing.
The scheme runs alongside their usual youth organisation activities, combining guided online and experiential learning. This includes learning modules and a clinical observational placement within their local health care region.
Once they have completed this, cadets submit a portfolio of reflection and gain a completion certificate. They are then supported to take decisions on next steps, which can include a level 2 or 3 related diploma, a foundation degree or an undergraduate nursing degree.
The Battalion, alongside Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion ACF, was the first in Scotland to take part in the scheme.
Annual Camp was rounded off with an Open Day on 30 July for parents/carers. This also featured a series of presentations, including prizes for the highest scoring teams across activities where points were on offer.
