A quintet of driven youngsters from Longbenton Air Cadets recently took their skills to the next level by competing in a series of adventurous contests against other units from all over the region.The youngsters competed against 35 other Squadrons at the annual Adventure Training Challenge putting their skills to the test.
The cadets have been learning different skills throughout the year as part of the squadron's "Venture Adventure Programme."
The team - Flight Sergeant Stephanie Robson, 19, Corporal Georgina Cassidy, 18, Corporal James Nealings, 16 and Cadet Sam Inns, 16 and leader Flight Sergeant Daniel Dotchin, 17 - were put through their paces across a two-day period at Hawkhirst Scout Camp near Kielder. Navigational skills were put to the test first with the team required to successfully navigate a 20km trek, attaining marks for their accuracy and planning rather than speed.
Awaiting them at the end of the course was a challenging first aid scenario, with marks available for effective, safe and prompt action in dealing with casualties.
After a night's camping in changeable weather the team's spirit was in no way diminished as they tackled the round-robin phase on day two, a cycle which saw them put through a mountain bike skills test, an archery shoot-out, a tough orienteering course and an exhausting canoe exercise.
Speaking of the experience, team captain Daniel said "It was a very tough weekend but very enjoyable - the mountain biking was excellent and canoeing great fun - we've never laughed so much!" "We were really pleased that we picked up full marks for our navigation and orienteering too" added Daniel.
Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson added "Adventure Training is a big part of what we as it provides our young people with the opportunity to utilise their communication, campcraft, and navigational skills in a challenging environment. The cadets worked very well as a team with their self-confidence and their self-esteem also being developed. It was an excellent weekend," added Gary.
