Taking it to the Next Level with the Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA)

The CCFA awarded Penistone Grammar School (CCF) the Contingent Growth Fund Grant Award, with the contingent benefitting from just over £4,900. The funding was awarded to enable the contingent to purchase new and essential expedition equipment. Benefitting from the grant enabled the contingent to secure new tents, bivvy bags, and expedition holdalls for its cadets, expanding opportunities available to all.

The contingent has been able to assemble seven complete team kit bags, allowing them to run more high-quality expedition training sessions and undertake more Adventure Training throughout the year. This has given cadets additional opportunities to develop resilience, teamwork, leadership and independence. With seven complete team kit bags now available, the contingent can support a greater number of cadets simultaneously, increasing participation across the team and keeping training standards consistent. The new equipment has had a positive effect on cadets, with Cadet Haigh commenting “the new equipment meant we could train more often, and that helped me build up my skills and confidence. I had never camped before, but being able to use proper kit and practise with my team made a huge difference. I feel more prepared for the real expedition now, and it’s made me realise I can do things that seemed hard at first. The project has helped me grow not just as a cadet but as a person.”

Equipment for Everyone

The grant has also allowed for any financial barriers to be removed – there is no extra pressure on families to provide specialist equipment, and all cadets can now take part in Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) expeditions and training without the worry of additional costs. By offering high-quality, standardised kit for all participants, the contingent has ensured that no young person is excluded due to costs, and so everyone can participate with dignity and confidence. Cadet Williams noted “Before this project, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do my DofE because my family couldn’t afford the equipment. Having the kit bags supplied for us meant I didn’t have to worry about buying a tent or sleeping gear, and it made me feel the same as everyone else. I’ve now completed my expedition training and I’m more confident outdoors than I’ve ever been. Without this grant, I honestly wouldn’t have been able to take part.”

A Positive Impact

Overall, the funding has strengthened inclusion, increased participation and helped to ensure that every cadet (regardless of background) has access to the full range of opportunities on offer to them through the CCF.

In addition to this, the new equipment has also played a huge part in helping the contingent to successfully grow in numbers as well as retaining cadets. The contingent has seen a 25% increase in cadet numbers since receiving the grant. One cadet noted “Having full team kit bags meant we could all train together with the same equipment, which made us feel more organised and professional. It also meant we weren’t sharing old or damaged gear, so our training weekends felt safer and more enjoyable. Because of this project, our contingent can run bigger expeditions and give more cadets a chance to join in. I’m proud to be part of something that’s improving opportunities for everyone.”

If you would like more information about CCFA funding that could be available to you, please click here.