2344 (Longbenton) Sqn

Two lucky air cadets from Longbenton swapped their flying suits for ski suits this week as they took a trip to Zweisal, Germany with the Royal Air Force - which led to one of them landing a job!

Both, Georgina Cassidy, 18 and Stephanie Robson, 19 had the opportunity to enjoy the action packed week in Germany and, as they took part in the specially arranged skiing expedition with air cadets from across the country, enjoy they did!

"It was an amazing experience, although learning to ski was very challenging," said Georgina. "It was also absolutely freezing and I've never worn so many clothes to do a sport before!" she added.

During the expedition, the young people learned the art of the slopes and cross country skiing and gained many other life skills. The youngsters enjoyed a taste of independence as they were responsible for all aspects of their living arrangements ensuring that they ate, trained, and looked after themselves.

After the week long expedition, Georgina and Stephanie were awarded with an opportunity to ski the 1456m Grosser Arber. "It took us almost 3 hours to get to the top of the mountain and then only half an hour to ski down - but it was fantastic and a great adrenalin rush," said Georgina.

For Stephanie, the trip encouraged her to apply for a job as a ski rep in Austria and to her delight; she got the job. "Being on the slopes was amazing and a dream come true - I kept thinking it'd be great to wake up and do this every day, so when I got back I looked for jobs and applied." "If I hadn't of went to Zweisal I may never have got the job" she added. 

Squadron boss, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said "This was an excellent opportunity for the young people and one that they clearly enjoyed and gained a great deal from." "It allowed them to get out of their comfort zone and try something new; increasing their self-confidence and developing their independence as well as challenging them physically." "We're all delighted Stephanie got her dream job" said Gary, adding "the air cadets teaches young people skills that will be useful in all walks of life and at Longbenton all of your young people aged 16 or over are in full-time education, employment or training."

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.

Three air cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) squadron swapped their parade shoes for walking boots to climb the summit of one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Stephanie Robson, 19, Cadet Flight Sergeant Daniel Dotchin, 17, and Cadet Corporal Hardit Parmar were part of a team of eight cadets from Durham / Northumberland Wing to successfully climb to the summit of Pic du Canigou in the Eastern Pyrenees.

The youngsters had to undertake a rigorous interview process which involved completing a series of exercises aimed at testing their map reading skills, campcraft skills, first aid, fitness and leadership skills. They all showed great determination in being successful to be part of the team. The team then undertook further training together in order to prepare for the expedition of a lifetime.

It was Squadron Leader Will Close-Ash - who was involved in rescuing seven stricken Belgian climbers from the summit slopes back in 2008 - who led the expedition.

Stephanie, of Longbenton, said "It was an amazing experience and an unbelievable challenge." "I never thought I would have the opportunity to see such wonderful views," said Stephanie.

"It was just absolutely awesome" added Hardit; "We knew it wouldn't be an easy task and it was literally breathtaking; but to say we scaled the summit of the 2784m peak is amazing."

Will, from Wallsend, explained "The group spent a few days in the country acclimatizing by climbing some of the neighbouring 2000m peaks.  As they prepared to climb the Canigou, they trekked to a mountain refuge high up on the slopes of the mountain."

Daniel, of Benton, said; "We had great weather all week and were very luck that on our summit day the weather remained fine." The team started their ascent at 0700 hours and were on the summit by 1300. "We are all so lucky to have opportunities like this and are all very thankful of our staff."

Longbenton Squadron boss was delighted with the expedition, "The young people showed grit and determination through the initial interview stages and I was absolutely delighted that their hard work and effort led them to the peak - we are all very proud of them for their achievement."

To see a video diary of the expedition please visit:- http://www.facebook.com/pages/2344-Longbenton-Air-Cadet-Squadron/130200970380651

• There are numerous adventurous opportunities available to the young people on our squadron such as abseiling, canoeing, rock climbing and Nordic skiing!
• Longbenton Squadron is part of Durham / Northumberland Wing, so we also take part in a week-long camp at the Army Training Camp at Warcop. This is an adventurous training week where cadets take part in shooting activities, sports, assault courses and leadership training.

Youngsters from Longbenton Community College and George Stephenson High School put down their pens and put on their walking boots as they embarked on a 20 mile expedition in Northumberland to achieve their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The thirteen students are members of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron and gained the opportunity as part of training that is offered on the squadron. Cadet Hannah Grice, 15, of Benton explained "we had to plan, train for, and complete a 2 day and 1 night expedition." "We took part in navigation training, including doing a practice expedition, and we also learnt campcraft skills, like how to put up a tent and how to cook using a tranga."

Longbenton Squadron recently received grants from North Tyneside Council's youth led 'Dosh Posse', the Community Foundation and the Sir James Knott trust to allow staff to become qualified to lead expeditions and to allow the squadron to purchase the necessary equipment so that they can gain the award.

Cadet Sergeant Reece Fryer, 15 of Killingworth, said "We had all completed the other parts of the award scheme and so we were looking forward to expedition so we could gain the Bronze Award." "We had to walk 20 miles in total carrying all of our kit throughout and it was tiring, but I am proud that we worked well as a team to complete the expedition and gain our Award." "It was one of the best experiences of my life" Reece added.

Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson who has recently obtained his Expedition Leader's Award said "I am very proud of each cadet and their achievement." "The Duke of Edinburgh Award is very challenging as it involves young people learning new skills and the expedition gives them a taste of independence and responsibility." "All of the cadets have done exceptionally well and the life-skills learned will stand them in good stead for the future." Gary added.