Welsh wonders

When parents think of the CCF, or Combined Cadet Force, to give it its full title, they often think that it is about things military and little else. However, that is a long way from the truth, as those pupils who attended adventurous training over the Easter holiday will testify.

In attendance were twenty seven cadets, drawn from every year group who take part in CCF (Years 9-13). It was particularly encouraging to see so many younger students involved, with seventeen of them being from Year 9. Based at Capel Curig Training Camp in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, the week was packed with activities that would normally be very expensive, but at only £60 each, the course was very good value indeed.

The extremes of weather that we experience at this time of year are often of much greater intensity in the mountainous regions of North Wales, and this was certainly the case for our youngsters, who had to cope with some challenging conditions, throughout their stay. Weather does not matter too much though when you are in a canoe or kayak - after all, wet is wet and fun is still to be had!

With a team of military instructors at their disposal, Capt Treharne, 2^nd Lt Collinson and WO1 Tom Beck, put together a package that was challenging and exciting from start to finish. Outdoor climbing was limited due to the wet conditions, but this just meant a short drive to Anglesey and the extensive indoor climbing facilities at "Indefatigable", the Joint Service Mountain Training Wing.

The area is dominated by mountains and outstanding scenery, so it seemed fitting for the cadets to tackle Snowdon and Tryfan. At 3560ft, Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales, can be seen from the Fylde coast on a fine day. Although smaller at 3002ft, Tryfan is the more difficult ascent and it is not possible to reach the top without sustained scrambling. The indoor training was put to good use as the route taken by our more experienced cadets required the use of ropes as well. All the walking groups faced challenging conditions, which provided excellent navigation training, requiring the accurate use of maps and compasses.

There is no doubt that those involved will be keen to take part again next year.

Posted by: A J Treharne
Date: Wednesday 22/04/2009