Often, a stumbling block for many children is to experience life-developing skills through adventure and independence through self-supported expeditions like the DofE access to equipment that they would otherwise not have. Well, through fundraising and support from the Alpkit Foundation, the 366 (King Ecgbert) Squadron were able to take 14 air cadets on a three-day expedition in the Yorkshire Dales for their silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. The area where the cadets are in the top 10% of deprived neighbourhoods in the country, which for many would mean that without help, the expeditions could not take place.
Simon Tredinnick let us know how the addition of this equipment has helped these cadets.
The award has helped to foster the spirit of adventure, teamwork and independence. Of the 14 cadets who went on the expeditions between the 20th and the 22nd of September, 5 are looking to take part in their gold award, which involves 4 days in remote areas where they will camp for three nights. Many are also taking an interest in overseas expeditions.
Some cadets who were lacking confidence are now beginning to take the lead, and in addition, many are learning good life skills. These skills include navigation and, probably more importantly, cooking and looking after themselves.
What's great is that not only will it help those cadets this year, but it's also been so popular that it's likely now that they will be used to support 50 air cadets on over 100 days of camping next year as part of two bronze expeditions, two silver and one gold.
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