Epsom College CCF has had a busy week with around 270 cadets involved in overnight camps and activities and a further 25 joining in on Field Day.
Having been taught various skills during the term, the entire M4 year participated in their first CCF Camp on Tuesday. They were bussed to Aldershot where they had to set up camp and cook a meal and in the evening they took part in competitions and demonstrations. The following day, they engaged in various activities such as first aid, military skills and were also introduced to some leadership tasks.
Meanwhile on Tuesday afternoon, both the RAF section and the U4 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group hiked from the College to the Boidier Hurst Scout Camp for their overnight camp. Walking with backpacks containing all their equipment and food, the cadets used their map reading skills to find their way from the College to the campsite near Box Hill, where they put up tents and cooked their evening meal.
On Wednesday, the Initiative Group went to Dunsfold to complete a map navigation exercise, following a 12km route in the local area, while the Royal Navy section enjoyed a day of sailing at Ripley.
The Army Infantry group held a combat exercise in Pirbright where they had to undertake a variety of missions in eight-man sections, including a close target reconnaissance of an enemy position, a night ambush and a platoon attack.
Importantly these activities were led by L6th NCOs as part of their leadership training development.
CCF activities will continue immediately after the end of term with the U4 Army section on camp at St Martin’s Plain in Folkestone, while the RAF section have opportunity to attend either the army camp or an adventure training camp in the Lake District.
Some 50 cadets will be undertaking their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons during the summer.
Another 52 members the 5th and L6th forms will participate in a month long leadership development expedition to Namibia in July organised through World Challenge.