One Cadet's Journey Through Camps, Bugling and a Royal Encounter

Hailing from Gordon’s School CCF (Army), Cadet Sergeant Jess Fowler has been in the school’s contingent for three years. We sat down with her to find out more about her time in the CCF and what’s next for her once she finishes school.

“I joined the CCF after being given the opportunity to attend a training week in Dartmoor, where I had the best time! I found pushing myself and stepping out of my comfort zone to be really rewarding and I loved seeing how much of a community the CCF was. It was something I wanted to be a part of. For me, the most rewarding part of being a cadet in the CCF is seeing how much the cadets come out of their shell, especially during events and activities like the annual summer camp. Even seeing how much people grow and develop in personality and knowledge each week is incredibly rewarding, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. I am quite a small girl, and, in the past, I have often found that I can be overlooked by younger cadets – only because they tend to look for and listen to the tallest person they can find! However, I have tried to overcome this by becoming more confident in my own abilities – I don’t think I shy away from giving instructions and I now speak more confidently than I used to.

There have been so many highlights over the past few years, but the summer camps always remain a constant highlight! My first camp as a Junior Cadet is a particular favourite memory too as I really enjoyed taking part in all of the activities and giving everything a go. During my second camp, I really enjoyed taking on a more authoritative role – I’ve always enjoyed passing on my knowledge to the more Junior Cadets and learning from each other. Away from the camp experience, my personal highlight was when I Bugled for the Lighting of the Beacons Ceremony for HM Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee. I also had the opportunity to meet with Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. I was able to meet Her Royal Highness after she was told about an event where I was playing the Last Post and it was an incredible honour.

As well as amazing experiences, the CCF has benefitted me in many ways personally. It has given me so much confidence, helped me to develop my leadership skills and has allowed me to be a part of an amazing community full of people that I am so glad to have met.

If there is anyone reading this who is on the fence about joining their school’s CCF contingent, then I would say ‘just do it.’ You never know who you might meet or the opportunities you will be given. Everyone there wants to help you and see you succeed, helping to make sure that you get the most out of your time in the CCF. If I could sum up the CCF in three words I would say ‘inspiring, empowering and energetic.’ So definitely, just do it!

Over the next year, I’m really looking forward to focusing more on my role as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Young Leader and I aim to help more cadets complete their DofE Award.

Outside of cadets, my main hobby is music. I absolutely love music and I play the trumpet. I hold the ceremonial rank of Trumpet Sergeant and lead the school’s ‘Under the Arches’ Band during school parades. I have had the incredible opportunity of playing the Last Post for many Remembrance events including the opening to a Premiership Women’s Rugby match at the Harlequin’s Stadium which was also broadcast on TV.

Once I finish school and age out of the CCF, I want to become a Prosthetist. I love helping people and I find it incredibly clever that we have the technology now to create artificial limbs that function so similarly to original limbs. I’ll be continuing with the CCF until I leave school and then I aim to join the Reserves.”

Thank you so much to Cadet Sergeant Jess Fowler for sharing her CCF story with us. We wish you all best for your bright future!