Ready, Set, Hike! Cadets Gear Up with New Expedition Equipment

The aim of the CCFA DofE Support Grants was to provide vital funds that would help CCF contingents in delivering the DofE programme to cadets. The funding has been extremely beneficial, with the money going towards new equipment that has enabled cadets from all walks of life to participate in DofE expeditions with confidence.

The support grant was open for applications from November 2025 to January 2026 and contingents were able to apply for a one-off grant from one of two categories:

• Funds of up to £1,000 that could be used towards the purchase of specialist expedition equipment (this could be camping stoves, multiple-person tents, waterproof clothing and rucksacks)

• Funds of up to £500 towards the cost of a DofE licence fee for one year (this was available to schools who do not currently offer the DofE programme)

The CCFA are delighted to announce that the support grants programme was a great success and benefitted almost 40 schools from across the UK. One school was awarded money towards their DofE licence fee and were able to start offering the DofE programme to cadets, whilst a further 37 schools were able to purchase brand new expedition equipment. In total, the CCFA awarded over £36,000, with the money being used to purchase over 110 pieces of waterproof clothing, 95 camping stoves, 89 rucksacks and 83 tents!

The grants will benefit at least 1,700 cadets, with the equipment being used on DofE expeditions where cadets can expect to hike for up to 15 miles a day over a four-day expedition. And due to the quality and specifications of the approved new equipment, many more cadets will benefit from the CCFA DofE Support Grant for years to come.

More About The CCFA

The CCFA is committed to supporting the CCF and its activities by offering various grant programmes to contingents. Cadets are at the heart of the CCFA and as an organisation they are proud to support cadets in taking part in all activities, whether it is financial support for annual camps, music lessons, specialist training or new equipment.

For more information on how the CCFA can support your contingent, please click here.