Ripley CCF trip to RAF Boulmer

Cadets spent the week engaging in numerous activities ranging from fieldcraft to firing live weapons on the range. The cadets were lead around the camp by Flt Lt. Atkinson and CI May, with assistance from RAF Boulmer’s very own WO Norman.

Cadets arrived at camp on Thursday and were immediately thrown into the deep end! The climbing wall was the first test of the camp, with some cadets showing no hesitation, going straight for the top. A special mention to Anthony who, despite his fear of heights, showed amazing perseverance and gave it his all. Cadets were also taken to the beautiful town of Alnwick to complete a 5k parkrun, where Cdt. Norman, Cdt. France and L/Cpl Albon all achieved sub 30-minute times, a huge achievement!

Throughout the rest of the week, cadets experienced the thrills of the RAF control centre, monitoring the whole UK airspace and spoke to serving members of the RAF about their experiences. After completing their weapons handling training over Easter, all cadets had the opportunity to fire live rounds on a 25m range, with some groupings that even impressed the range instructors!

The end of the week was met with a fieldcraft experience, where cadets donned their bergens and camouflage, and took part in range finding and concealment activities.

In the evening, cadets set up their bivvies, with a surprise for Cdt. Burgess receiving an emotional surprise for her birthday.

The final part of their Bronze fieldcraft award was spent conducting a 24hr exercise in the field overnight, under their own bivvies, taking turns at sentry duty throughout the night.

The contingent is extremely proud of their achievements, with all cadets attending achieving their Bronze fieldcraft and trained shot badges. A very successful trip was had by all.