Canadian adventure ahead for 23 CCF cadets

This summer is set to be unforgettable for 23 CCF(Army) cadets who have been selected to take part in the Canadian Exchange 2018.

On Thursday 5 April, more than 80 youngsters from both the CCF and Army Cadet Force (ACF) gathered at Cwrt-y-Gollen Cadet Training Centre in Wales to take part in the national selection event for this year’s exchange,

The four-day event saw the cadets take part in a wide range of challenging activities. They were assessed and observed during a swimming test, hill walking exercise, rock climbing activity, kayaking, mountain biking, horse riding and during a personal interview.

The selection process culminated with the Canadian fitness test, before the exhausted but enthused cadets were able to head back to their homes throughout the UK.

The selection board then took all of the activities into account before determining the successful cadets. A total of 46 cadets were chosen with half from CCF Army sections.

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Colonel Derek Hudson, Assistant Chief of Staff from HQ Regional Command, Cadets Branch, said: “I’ve been hugely impressed with the commitment of everyone involved and the obvious enjoyment had. Thanks must go to the adult volunteers who have facilitated a superb event ensuring that the selection for this prestigious exchange with Canada was appropriate, objective and fair.

“All of the cadets put forward for selection should be proud of their effort and achievement. Well done to the 46 cadets selected; I am confident they will be superb ambassadors for the Army’s Cadet Forces.”

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The selection event also included a presentation by Captain Zanna Baker, who was one of the six British Army women to ski coast-to-coast across Antarctica on Exercise Ice Maiden. This history-making participant demonstrated the equipment that she used in Antarctica and passed on her expert knowledge during a lively Q&A session.

She commented on how impressed she was with the cadets taking part. “In spite of what must have been a tiring few days for them, they remained engaged throughout,” she said.

“Their questions were intelligent and humorous and it was an absolute delight to be able to give the presentation to them - I was truly touched by their enthusiasm.

“I wish them all the best, and I am very jealous of what they have ahead of them. I wish that I had been able to join the cadets when I was at school! The ACF and CCF should be proud to have such brilliant young people representing them.”

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The exchange trip to Canada lasts for six weeks and takes place in July and August this year.

Courses will take place in the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, at Whitehorse in Yukon and at Argonaut in New Brunswick, and each will offer cadets unforgettable opportunities and experiences.

Their adventurous training will consist of a range of activities including canoeing, mountain biking, horse riding and mountain trekking through stunning wilderness landscapes.

Kimbolton School CCF Army section cadet Harry Young was one of the lucky CCF cadets selected to take part in the exchange to the Rocky Mountains. “The selection event has provided some challenging but enjoyable activities. In Canada I look forward to feeling the sense of adventure, culture and wildlife,” he said.

“I would recommend the Canada selection to anyone because it is a real test of your physical and mental ability that stretches your skills in lots of ways. The competition has been fierce but it is a no brainer to try and be selected for the once in a lifetime trip to Canada.”

For more information regarding the selection or the Canadian Exchange 2018, visit the official Facebook page: @ukcadetcanadaexchange