CCF Summer Camps and Events

Army Section Annual Camp 2008 

This year’s annual camp was located at Swynnerton, Staffordshire. This camp is one of the most looked forward to camps of the school year and is definitely the most enjoyable; in my opinion; and longest lasting nine days.  This includes a theme park day to Alton Towers and paintballing on the penultimate day. For the first five days we were joined by the RAF third-form. On arrival at Swynnerton Training Camp, we headed to our accommodations to get dressed into military gear. Once dressed, training commenced where the cadets had a recap session with the L98A1 Rifle (a cadet version of the SA80 rifle that is used in the British Army) while the RAF were taught how to use the weapon. For the next few days cadets went through various recaps of previous camps such as first aid, tent-building, and a chance to shoot on the DCCT range (dismounted close combat trainer). This training is done in an indoor simulated range, using the semi-automatic SA80 rifle. Cadets were also taught how to give Fire Control Orders, how to Judge Distance and basic Field Craft principles. Army section cadets were also issued a set of webbing (useful gear used to store waterproofs, water bottles, food, cookers, burners and magazines with rounds while out in the field) each and taught how to assemble one.  Over the weekend, all the cadets were split into two groups and each group separated further into groups of fours or fives. Half of the cadets went with Flying Officer Steele to go on an orienteering course for the day, where the RAF showed an unexpected talent in map reading and teamwork, with myself and Cpl Burke-Perrin patrolling the area just in case of an accident, and the other half with Captain Wilson going on a self-reliance expedition, with Cpl Murray and Cpl O’Keeffe on standby at various checkpoints. These exercises are designed to bring out the cadets’ independence, leadership and team-building skills. The self reliance also counts as a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze level practice walk if the cadet has registered with the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Both self-reliance and orienteering were scheduled to end at the campsite where they were to spend the night. Expectedly a few cadets came limping in an hour late with the eyes of a lost child because they got misplaced at various places during the expedition. When the cadets had finished putting up their tents, cooked and eaten their meal of MoD-issue rations, they went on a night patrol exercise and were taught about night vision and stealth. After a night at the camp site, the two groups were switched around to do what the other half were doing after another meal of rations. Once the self-reliance and orienteering was over the cadets had a film night. The next day was the theme park day. The day at Alton Towers was great fun. Rides such as Oblivion, Air and the infant-aimed rides were unmissed by all. In the end the cadets all had an enjoyable great day out. The RAF departed camp just after the trip and the army section cadets resumed training. For the next few days they were taught Field Craft formations, how to apply cam cream and vegetation to become less easily detected in the field, hand signals, and more, taught by myself, the Cpls and the adult instructors. The cadets then had a shoot on the L98A1 rifle on a 30m range using live rounds. Fortunately everyone managed to get a pass. The cadets also had another shoot on the DCCT range. On the penultimate day, we went paintballing at the local venue and had a total of 4 games. Naturally it ended up with third formers versus the rest, but we all had fun shooting each other, the more organised NCOs putting tactics they learned into practice while others went trigger-happy. Another tradition during paintballing at annual camp is that the last game is always senior NCOs versus the rest of the force. i.e. a chance for the cadets to get back at us. This is were all of us senior NCOs lost inevitably due to the sheer number of the enemy and the amount of paintballs that pelted us. After a peaceful ride back to the camp, we cleaned up and got ready for the final parade. After which we had an enjoyable dinner served by the Officers,  next was the CO’s speech, and a series of funny sketches performed by the senior NCO’s. On completion of annual camp, the cadets who went on every camp and passed all subjects, had passed their Army Proficiency Certificate and received their first promotions. I have generally been impressed with the progress and development of the cadets and would like to congratulate all the cadets who have taken part in the camp. To all those third-formers who didn’t go on annual camp this year, it is unfortunate you didn’t attend as the camp is very enjoyable and worth every minute of it. I would urge you all to go next year. To those cadets who will stay on in the CCF, I wish you the best of luck next year when you choose to join the Infantry or Signals.  I would also like to thank all the members of staff, The CO and Adjutant, and WO1 Gregory for organizing and making this camp such a success. 

By C/Sgt Yosuke Fukutome J6

CCF Annual Camp at Swynnerton

The 27th of March was a busy day, get-up, rush to school and catch a five hour coach journey to a MoD training base in Swynnerton, Staffordshire.  After a smooth yet stretched out coach ride we were greeted by an iron wire fence, surrounding the compound.  We hopped off the coach and sorted our personal belongings before being sent to our huts where we began our training on the GP rifle. 

Over the following days we focused on our navigation and orienteering skills, with introductions to the orienteering course provided to us, a chance to plan our route for our ten mile walk and a shot on the electronic range where we would learn skills that we could put into practise on the live range later on in the camp.  Our section was split into two separate groups; we would be interchanging our walk and orienteer activities over two days with a shared night of camping in-between.  Half the group were sent on to a huge training are which we shared with regulars.  Some of us were lucky enough to encounter some real soldiers who happily asked what we were doing in the middle of their exercise.  The camping was a brilliant night; we cooked our compo and went to bed, only to be wakened up to receive a lesson on night patrol.  The next day we did our self reliance walk, some of us went off route so we were somewhat delayed, however everything worked out in the end and we were ready to continue with the camp.  The next thing on our agenda was Alton Towers, we spent a day there, experiencing some well known rides and gaining a few thrills from Nemesis and Oblivion.  When we got back we received more instruction from our NCOs and went to bed feeling satisfied with our day.  The next two days were spent doing various field craft tests to complete our APC.  The last full day was spent paint balling at the local centre, doing a parade which we had spent many, many early mornings preparing for and having the camps mess night.  This consisted of the officers serving us a three course meal followed by speeches and comedy sketches made by the NCOs.  The performances were comedic with a humorous imitation of Mr. Gregory’s impression by RQMS Seedat.  A sketch about Lt. Woodhouse by RQMS Hartog went down well and a mock awards ceremony with RSM Gohar gained a loud round of applause.  After a brilliant evening we went to bed and prepared our kit for the journey home tomorrow.We arrived back at school ahead of schedule and we were relieved to arrive home after ten days of exertion and fun. 

Thanks must go to all of the NCOs but more so to all of those that are leaving the school at the end of this year, they worked with enthusiasm throughout the camp even if the cadets were not so lively at times.  All of the Officers and Adult Instructors must be thanked as well for organising and running the camp with a special mention to Major Woodhams, Colonel Woodhams, Mr Gregory, Chief and Lt Woodhouse.  The camp was enjoyed by all and I look forward to next year’s annual CCF camp. 

Joseph Long 3C