Cadets enjoy a jam-packed CCF Summer Camp

Eighteen intrepid cadets set off for Shrewsbury School’s CCF Summer Camp based at Halton, near Lancaster.

We set off after speech day and everyone was in high spirits. After a 2-hour journey we arrived at Halton Training Camp and the immediate thing was a quick briefing for the following day and then settle in ready for bed.

The next morning, we were treated to a typical MOD breakfast - a full fry up. We then grabbed the packed lunches and got on the coach to head to The Anderton Centre. Today was the “Wet” day and the team got changed into wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets and headed down to the lake where they were greeted by canoes that were “rafted” together. They paddled along and ended up at Liverpool Castle (not actually in Liverpool but a mock-up of the original). The teams spent a bit of time exploring and then headed back to the centre for lunch.

After that it was the XL Stand Up Paddleboards (8 to a paddleboard). The team loved this (or more to the point loved soaking and toppling the staff) and they were very disappointed to head back after a full afternoon. We reluctantly headed back to Halton just in time for the evening meal and then got to watch the England match as they beat Slovakia 2-1.

The next day was meant to be the “Dry” day but the weather put paid to that and the team was split in two and one half did the leap of faith and the other half did a low ropes course before swapping around after lunch. We were also treated to a chat by the Chief Instructor who started his career by being a cadet. Thank you to The Anderton Centre for being fantastic hosts.

Tuesday morning saw us all change from Civvies to Military uniform in readiness for the military phase of our camp. We had breakfast, cleaned and handed back the rooms before doing a bit of drill to get into the right mindset. We boarded the coach that took us to Warcop, an old MOD camp that has hosted the MOD for many years due to the range complex to get regular (and reserve) forces ready for operational training. When we arrived, we were split into 2 groups, one for the juniors and one for the seniors and although they would mix in the evening, they would do separate training. Straight away we were getting ready for a field exercise for 36 hours. 

Wednesday saw us deploy onto the area for the exercise. This put all their training into practice and as I was with the Juniors, I could see that they acquitted themselves admirably. The seniors under the watchful eye of L/Cpl James Kynaston also did remarkably well, in fact it was heard from one of the Cadet Training Team (CTT) Sgts say that they were one of the best contingents there.

Thursday, we woke and other that a strong wind and a little bit of rain, we were really lucky with the weather. After a final attack in which the seniors eliminated the enemy and the juniors did a few more lessons, we headed back to camp to clean up and relax.

Friday was a mixture of Range activities or camp activities that varied from Command Tasks to first aid. There was also a chance to practice the Gun Run, an old Navy competition that is perfect for teamwork, in preparation for the actual competition to be held on Saturday.

Saturday was a short day where we took part in the gun run and a final parade before jumping on the coach to head home.

I would just like to say thank you to The Anderton Centre, the CTT ad not forgetting the fantastic team of Maj Amanda Stevens and L/Cpl James Kynaston who without these two people, would have made camp virtually impossible.

Capt Jason Till

School Staff Instructor (SSI)