Wellacre’s CCF Explore Future Aspirations

Posted at 11:47 am on 18th May, 2023

Army Youth Engagement Day at Wellacre

SSI Ward, Lt Baker and Wellacre’s CCF cadet unit welcomed alumni, Capt Chris Dougherty, and the Army Youth Outreach Team for a special Engagement Day.

The team first gathered the cadets to introduce themselves and the service; their role is to inform and educate young people about what the British Army is and the people who serve within it.  

The cadets heard from serving soldiers about their journey and experiences of the Army. They were also able to ask questions, and many asked about careers within the service. 

  

Following the presentation, cadets were split into groups to complete a series of interactive and challenging command tasks, each led by a soldier from the team.

Each activity focused on educating them about the Army as well as helping develop them in areas such as critical-thinking, problem-solving, team work, confidence and leadership. 

     

Cadets began a number of activities in the hall including building a wheelbarrow to transport supplies and cracking a series of codes to complete Escape Boxes.

Everyone then moved out onto the school field to take on even more tasks including constructing a full wooden tank and firing (foam balls) on completion, building and crossing a bridge as a team, and the quicksand challenge, with teams retrieving a barrel of supplies from the centre of a marked area, without entering it.

Contingent Commander Lt Baker  said:

“The day spent with the Army has, again, been another great opportunity for our CCF cadets.  They were able to develop key skills and demonstrate top-level leadership and teamwork! It provided them all with an insight into the Army and, for those with military aspirations in the future, they were also able to ask lots of questions.” 

Thanks to former student, Capt. Dougherty for returning to Wellacre and delivering the Engagement Day; the cadets all excelled in the activities.