Training in the Rain

CCF cadets conquer torrential rain to shine in D of E Silver training

O Block pupils who volunteer to serve in Repton CCF as cadets in Army and RAF section can also simultaneously participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award programme. Their service, their physical activity and their skills development (aspects of the D of E syllabus) can all be undertaken as CCF cadet activities.

One such set of activities happened on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October, when Repton CCF ran a D of E Silver practice expedition for 18 cadets, in some of the most torrential rain of the year so far. Training was in the White Peak area. Three groups trained on map and compass skills on Saturday's 12km journey (sunny and calm). Camp craft and field cooking (in the rain) were appraised by staff, who then reorganised cadets into three new groups for Sunday's more challenging walk.

The essence of the D of E expedition is to make an "independent journey, with a purpose". Hence, with zero adult supervision the three groups navigated from one RV to another in a 16km journey, in quite challenging physical conditions - murk, rain, mud, more rain, absolutely diluvian rain, then refreshingly wet rain. One group got lost, applied their training, relocated themselves and walked to a successful end-point.

Officer Commanding Major Gary Lawrence was duly impressed: “The cadets excelled”, he comments. “Teamwork was strong and spirits high”. The expedition ended with kit cleaning and mopping out of buses. “Our cadets did themselves proud”, Major Lawrence adds. “We won't meet wetter conditions, though the next stage is to progress to wilder....”.