Rydal Penrhos’ Combined Cadet Force group picked up some notable accolades from their annual training camp before the break.
The Combined Cadet Force Annual Camp marks the culmination of the year’s training and offers an exciting week of challenging but rewarding activities. This was especially important for the Rydal Penrhos cadets because it was also their first-ever excursion of this kind.
The school’s hard-working staff managed to prepare 20 cadets not only ready for the challenge but also maintain a healthy attendance from our fledgling contingent despite the difficulties of the last two years relating to COVID-19.
Annual Camp often begins with a shock for the cadets as they are faced with army accommodation, a new routine and lots of busy activities to keep them occupied. Upon arriving at the Swynnerton Training Area in Staffordshire, they moved into the army-style accommodation and participated in training to get the cadets ready.
An early start on Day 2 after a cooked breakfast had further training and it was time for their test coupled with a Navigation Exercise run by the Cadet Training Team. L/Cpls Fflur Pierce, Chloe Tillman-Lennon, Ceylin Buckley, Kiera Luke, and Cdt Amelie Creer were mentioned in dispatches for their excellent navigation skills and positive attitude.
All Rydal Penrhos cadets passed which was an amazing achievement and four cadets excelled: Cdts William Bertalot, Vlad Pustea and Nestor Pento achieved a First Class shot while Cpl Tristan Martin achieved the highest score – a huge accomplishment for all the cadets considering this was their first experience.
The next two days were the Exercise phase for the cadets moving into the field to complete a series of fieldcraft stands, building a basha (their overnight accommodation) and cooking their own 24-hour rations. This was challenging but rewarding with the cadets using teamwork, communication skills and resilience.
Captain Alun Brown, said: “The Rydal Penrhos cadets rose to the challenge of their first camp superbly well and impressed many of the camp staff and other schools with their efforts and determination.
“Special mention must go to Cpl Jasmin Lewis who was awarded a special commendation medal by the Commanding Officer of camp for her leadership skills – well done!
“My thanks to 160 Cadet Training Team for organising a superb camp, the Rydal Penrhos staff, Mrs Chamberlain-Keen and Sgt Hilton, for working hard to make the CCF a rewarding experience through challenging times and of course the cadets and parents for supporting this relatively new extra-curricular activity at the school.”
A full gallery from the camp will be available next week.
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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, emailing admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or registering your interest online.
