Army Cadets don’t mind the wet at Le Guet
CAMOUFLAGED figures were creeping through the woods at Le Guet on Sunday morning as part of the Guernsey Army Cadet Force open day.
The group, which was formed in 2005, gives young people aged between 12 and 18 the chance to try shooting, weapons handling, field craft, blank firing exercises, navigation, first aid, drill, community projects and physical training.
Sunday’s event aimed to encourage new members to try out what it was like to be a cadet. Two new young people got involved.
Group spokeswoman Liz Curtis said they had between 10 and 15 members and about half of them turned out for Sunday’s rather wet open day.
She said it had gone well.
‘Because we don’t have a huge number of cadets, they all mix in together,’ she said.
‘That is very beneficial because the young ones try things that will challenge them, while the older ones can try command.’
Sunday’s activities included drills and creating a camp.
One of the things that got the cadets most excited, Ms Curtis said, was the food, which comes from army 24-hour ration packs.
Frankie Horsey, 17, joined the group three months ago and said she did not mind being out in Sunday’s wet weather.
‘I’m enjoying the outdoor activities,’ she said.
‘Today has been good. I have been building shelters and cooking. We don’t really mind the weather, as you have to get used to it in the army. But when you are trying to build a fire, it can be difficult when it is raining.’
As well as traditional army cadet activities, during the spring and summer cadets go surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding with qualified instructors.
Guernsey cadets also have the opportunity to travel to the UK to attend cadet camps, as well as taking part in military-type exercises on-island.
Cadets aims to teach young people skills such as self reliance, leadership and discipline.
Anyone interested in joining up can find out more by visiting www.guernseyacf.org.gg or the group’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/GSYACF/.
