Potential Cadet Information
Our squadron offers great fun and opportunities to you as a Cadet. Where else would you be able to enjoy full
aerobatic flying, take control of an aircraft and fly solo in a glider before you are able to drive a car? But we don't only fly,
as a Cadet you will enjoy a wide range of activities and are provided with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of exciting and
challenging activites some which include shooting, hiking, adventure training, sports, annual camp at a RAF Station, the Duke of Edinburgh award
scheme and many more activities. Air Cadets have the opportunity to develop and learn new skills. Our squadron offers NVQ, BTEC and First Aid
qualifications, as well as a host of other exciting and 'life expanding' activities.
You can join our squadron from your 13th Birthday. Unfortunately we are unable to accept applications to
join if you are under this age. There is an upper age limit of 17 but we recommend that you join us before this
age in order to avail of the opportunities available to you as a Cadet.
Below is a brief outline of some of the activities we do. We hope this section will give you an idea of the fun and exciting opportunities available to you as a Cadet with our squadron.
Adventure Training
As well as flying, gliding and other aviation related activities, we provide a lot of adventurous activities. These include hiking
and canoeing. Adventure training provides lots of things - a challenge, a chance to try something new,
excitement and the thrill of completing something you didn't think you could manage. Doing these activities not only is great fun and good to tell
your friends at school about, but also helps build confidence, leadership skills and other qualities. But above all, adventure training is about
challenging yourself, achieving what you wanted to do and enjoying it!
Camping
Fancy spending a week away from your parents?
Like a spin in a RAF helicopter or transporter?
Every year, you will have the opportunity to attend a camp on an operational RAF station. These camps last one week (normally Friday to Friday) with the primary purpose of letting you see what life is like on an RAF camp. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet new friends and have a lot of fun. You will sleep in RAF accommodation blocks, eat at the airman's mess and visit the various sections around the station (such as aircraft hangers, the control tower etc.), as well as take part in sports, orienteering and night exercises and any social activities which may be available.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (aka - DofE) is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities for young
people aged between 14 and 25. We are proud of the fact that the ATC is the largest provider of the DofE award
scheme in the country.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme consist of three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level has different criteria for entry and the level of achievement necessary to complete each award. The Award is widely recognised by employers as it helps demonstrate that award holders are keen to take on new challenges, have a higher level of self confidence than their counterparts and have leadership qualities with the added experience of teamwork.
See www.theaward.org for further info.
