Army Cadets from across the Highlands and Islands have returned from their Summer Camp in July, their first in three years.
160 Cadets from 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force (ACF) took part. The Battalion covers the Highlands, Moray, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. Due to a last minute cancellation, the Camp was moved from Warcop in Cumbria to the Battalion’s Training Centre in Dingwall.
Due to COVID-19 and the related regional travel restrictions throughout the pandemic, Cadet organisations had been unable to hold Summer Camps since 2019. The staff involved in the planning worked tirelessly to overcome various obstacles to ensure that the Cadets were able to have a camp this summer.
Due to limited bed spaces at Dingwall, the Battalion was split into two one-week camps, with different Companies attending each week. The Cadets were able to take part in a number of challenging activities that included camping out overnight, a fieldcraft exercise, learning navigation, first aid and drill.
All Cadets also took part in a two-day Adventure Training package which included rock climbing and mountain biking.
The Summer Camp has allowed many Cadets to complete their training level and progress onto the next stage in the Cadet Training Syllabus.
A number of new Adult Volunteers also completed their induction training, learning how to teach the Cadets the wide range of ACF activities.
The Battalion Commandant, Colonel Mike MacDonald, said “We had a large number of challenges to overcome with the change in venue at very short notice, but the dedication of the staff ensured that the Cadets were able to learn new skills and experience some challenging activities for the first time.
“Camp has been a huge success and we hope that the experience will encourage others to join up at the start of the new school term.”
To find out more about 1st Battalion The Highlanders ACF, click HERE.
