Two Army cadets from Inverness who took part in a six-week international exchange have shared their experiences – hoping others will follow in their footsteps.
Cadet Corporal Freya Johnson and Cadet Corporal Samuel Stubbs, both from 1st Battalion the Highlanders’ Raigmore Detachment, spent six weeks last year living and training alongside their counterparts in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.
The exchange ‘Exercise Oak Leaf’ has been held annually since 1972 and sees up to 45 cadets from the Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force spend their summer in Canada. The aim is to strengthen the great relationship that already exists between the UK and Canada.
Freya enjoying rock climbing.
Freya and Samuel were both selected for the ‘Expedition Instructor Course’ which gives cadets more experience in Expeditions, Adventure Training and Survival Training. Although both were given places on the same course they didn’t see each other from the moment they arrived at Heathrow Airport until their return to the UK on August 18. Freya spent her six weeks based at the Argonaut Cadet Training Centre, near New Brunswick, on the East Coast, while Samuel spent his at the Whitehorse Cadet Training Centre 4,000 miles away in the Yukon, at the far west of the country.
Training with cadets from English, French and Aboriginal backgrounds Freya said: “The first couple of days felt like we were learning a new language, trying to piece together their different accents.”
After spending two weeks brushing up on First Aid and Hillwalking the third week saw the cadets take part in the 18-Day Expedition which Freya said was what drew her to the course and makes it so prestigious.
Freya taking a quick break during the walking phase of the 18-day expedition.
The 18 days kicked off with canoeing, followed by a week of walking and then a week of cycling. For Samuel the weeks’ worth of canoeing was his most enjoyable part of the trip, as he managed to become more comfortable and skillful in a canoe and improved teamwork skills as well as managing level-six rapids, waterfalls and choppy currents along the Yukon and Takhini rivers.
Following all the Adventure Training they both took part in a 30-hour solo expedition, which included them making a shelter and surviving out in the field alone without any outside assistance. After the solo expedition the cadets were congratulated with a culture tour, which for Samuel also included a quick jump over the border to the United States for a day in Alaska followed by a visit to the world’s northernmost desert, Carcross, which is only 640 acres and considered to be the smallest on the planet.
Following a return to their camps the final event was a graduation parade which saw the achievements of everyone recognised, which afterwards was the start of the goodbyes for the UK contingent ready for their return journey home.
Samuel (left) in the final phase of the 18-day expedition – cycling. No cut knees yet!
Freya said: “I won’t even mention the goodbyes as it might make me cry all over again!”
Samuel summed up his experience by saying: “It was strange coming away from Canada after living there for a month and a half. But, it was great to come home and tell my family and friends about everything I had seen, done, and learned along the way. I’ll always be grateful for having had this experience.”
Samuel (front, 3rd right) visiting the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.
Freya was named Top Cadet for Week 6 Bravo Company by Bravo Company Commander Major Wheaton.
