April 19, 2016
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An Army Cadet from Elgin has returned home following an exciting and challenging week in Ireland.
Cadet Sergeant Katie Forman (16) from Elgin Detachment, 1st Battalion the Highlanders, was one of 37 representatives from across 25 different ACF counties who were at Ballykinler Camp in Northern Ireland for a special Duke of Edinburgh’s Award event organised to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the DofE.
The programme – which included sessions on teamwork and leadership skills as well as managing a DofE group – enables students to not conly complete the Gold Award residential requirement, but to progress in leading DofE groups in their local area. Some elements of the learning can count towards a certificate in DofE leadership and also a vocational qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management. The week-long course combined classroom sessions with practical learning through adventurous training.
However it was not all learning and training, there was some downtime including a visit to the Caves of Cushendun, where some scenes of Game of Thrones are set.
Colonel Ashley Fulford ACFA DofE Panel Chair said: “We decided to hold this event to celebrate the 60th Anniversary following on from the success of a similar event held 10 years ago in Northern Ireland to mark the 50th Anniversary of the award. It was a great week with some really engaged Cadets and young adults getting to grips with the award, and having some fun at the same time. I’m grateful too for the staff who gave up their time to help run the course.”
The course ended with a formal dinner, followed by the presentation of certificates of attendance.
Sgt Forman (pictured) described her experience in Northern Ireland as “one of a lifetime – loved every minute and met some amazing people along with making amazing memories”. She added “I hope to be able to attend as a cadet instructor on the next course held.”
