Highlights from Army camp

CCF cadets enjoy a week full of exciting activities

Immersing themselves in a varied agenda of military-themed activities, 30 cadets from across three different year groups at both Loughborough High School and Loughborough Grammar School enjoyed the annual LSF Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Army camp, spending a week in Beckingham. 

Following a weekend prior to the camp for Year 10 cadets to upskill in shooting and fieldcraft, all cadets hit the ground running as they embarked on training syllabi according to their age and cadet experience. 

The camp consisted of five phases: personal development, ranges, fieldcraft, exercise and competition, and developing a wide range of skills. The personal development phases combined personal physical challenge with mental resilience as cadets faced high ropes trails and a raft-building activity that encouraged effective teamwork, collaboration and communication. 

Cadets practised safely firing live ammunition using the cadet rifle based on the Regular Army weapon system and experienced camping out “Army-style” under a basha (a lightweight, waterproof utility tarp used by military personnel to quickly build temporary field shelters). Fieldcraft is a key component which focuses on camouflage and cooking rations, dovetailing into the next phase – exercise. During this 36-hour experience, all cadets achieve a “mission” and operate in a larger Platoon environment.  

In the competition phase, supported by the Royal Anglian Regiment and held at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland, LSF cadets competed against around 370 cadets from schools across the UK in areas including incorporating vehicles, weapon stands, archery, observation, and command tasks. 

Planned and led by the OC Army Section, Major Dart R ANGLIAN, the camp was also supported by CCF staff WO2 Young and Sgt Giltrow, as well as Loughborough Grammar School alumni, Joe, who is currently serving as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) for the CCF. Joe’s involvement brought a unique element to the camp as he had the opportunity to mentor his younger siblings, who are both part of the LSF CCF. 

I was delighted to be able to support cadet activity as a CFAV and alumni to the Foundation during my university holidays, and helping teach my brother and sister was an added bonus!

Joe, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer

Major Dart said: “This unique alignment of siblings clearly demonstrates the family feel and cross-Foundation experience at LSF. We constantly deliver continued engagement beyond school life as alumni and encourage giving back to others in Service.”