From 27 October to 1 November 2024, 288 young cadets from the Army Cadets (Combined Cadet Force (Army) and Army Cadet Force) gathered for the Exercise Cadet STEM Challenge 2024, an event that brought science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) to life through engaging, hands-on activities. The event was hosted by the British Army, with cadets rotating through a series of competitive challenges across various Corps stands, each offering unique insights into their expertise. The event was supported by 61 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs).
Exercise CADET STEM CHALLENGE 2024: A Week of Creativity, Collaboration and Celebration
A Transformed Experience
This year's STEM Challenge took on a competitive edge, as cadet teams of 10 faced off in a round-robin format over five days. Each team had the opportunity to visit ten different Corps stands, each designed to highlight a specific area of the British Army's capabilities. The Royal Engineers (RE), Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), and Royal Signals (RSig), who led the event, were joined by several other Corps including the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), Royal Artillery (RA), Royal Armoured Corps (RAC), Army Air Corps (AAC), Army Medical Corps (AMC), Adjutant General's Corps (AGC), and Intelligence Corps (INT).
The challenges at each stand combined innovation and creativity, focusing on the principles of STEM. From robotics and communications systems to medical technologies and engineering feats, cadets were kept busy and intellectually stimulated. Points were awarded based on performance, with the scores accumulating.
STEM skills are increasingly relevant, so the enthusiasm with which all the cadets were approaching the exercise was great.
Brigadier Gary McDade
Visitors' Day
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns was among the VIPs in attendance at this year’s cadet STEM camp visitors’ day at Middle Wallop military base.
As part of the day, the minister participated in an activity, which involved applying the laws of physics and maths to ensure the safety of an airlift by a helicopter over distance.
Reflecting on the day, Brigadier Gary McDade, Deputy Commander Cadets said: ‘It was a real pleasure to host the Minister for Veterans and People at this year’s STEM camp, and it was fantastic to see so many of our cadets engaging with him with such confidence. In today’s technical world, STEM skills are increasingly relevant, so the enthusiasm with which all the cadets were approaching the exercise was great. Huge thanks to HQ Royal Signals for leading the event, to all the other Corps who contributed, and, of course, to our selfless Adult Volunteers who consistently give their time to inspire the next generation’.
This week has allowed me to build on my passion and desire to keep pushing and utilising my skills.
Lance Corporal Stock-Morgan
A Week of Growth and Camaraderie
Cadets came from all over the UK, representing both ACF, which is a community-based cadet organisation, and CCF, an extracurricular programme offered in schools. The diversity of participants — from public and private school cadets to those from community groups — ensured a mix of experiences and backgrounds, enhancing the collaborative spirit of the event.
“I’ve always wanted to do a STEM event. I learned about STEM in my second year as a cadet and have been intrigued ever since. The only activity close to STEM that I’ve participated in before this camp has been Clay Pigeon Shooting, so I’m glad to finally be here getting involved. Being here has helped me feel more confident, and the people around me and the adults involved have allowed me to build on my passion and desire to keep pushing and utilising my skills.
My favourite activities in this camp have been the Helicopter Building, it was great, that was with the Air Corps. I’ve had a cool time here, met so many people from different places in the country and how different their cadets run from mine, and it’s truly opened my eyes about how the organisation runs.” – Lance Corporal Stock-Morgan, Hampshire & Isle of Wight ACF
The CCF Schools that were involved were as follows:
King Edwards Grammar School (who Finished 2nd)
And the Winners Were…
After a week of intense competition, the team from Bristol and Channel Islands ACF emerged victorious, having accumulated the highest score across all ten stands. In second place was CCF Contingent King Edwards Grammar School (KEGS), Chelmsford, and in third place was Cambridgeshire ACF.
Looking to the Future
The CADET STEM CHALLENGE 2024 was a resounding success, leaving cadets and organisers alike inspired by young minds' potential to tackle complex problems with creativity and enthusiasm. With an emphasis on STEM careers in the military, the week-long event also served as a reminder of how critical these fields are to the future of defence and national security.
As the cadets packed up to return home, they took with them memories of friendly competition and a deeper understanding of the many opportunities that STEM can offer in both the military and civilian worlds. Undoubtedly, many will return for next year's challenge, eager to push the boundaries of their knowledge even further.