Wing Adventure Training Week 2014 - Windermere

Over the week we took part in many activities and I met some great people, staff and cadets.

Sunday, we were split up into three groups doing different activities over the next few days. My group went on a low level mountain walk just outside of Windermere. On this walk I had a go at leading my group. The aim was to help us learn or develop our map reading skills, it also helped us work better as a team. This was good as all of us came from different squadrons throughout the wing and it helped us to get to know one another’s abilities. The walk itself was challenging, we also learnt about safety in the mountains, the countryside code and what to do in an emergency.

On the Monday, we went and did some Kayaking on Coniston water. We started off with the basics of what to do. Then we went onto back paddles, turning and rafting up. Throughout the day it was fairly laid back, enabling us to learn in a calm and fun environment. We were also playing games throughout the day, swimming and learning to seal dive. The day was very good and we all had fun on Monday and said it was one of our best days. 

Tuesday, we went rock climbing. This was probably the most challenging of the days for me as I am not much of a climber and it is not something I have ever been good at. I was worried about how the day would go, but when I got there my group helped and encouraged me. I had three attempts and each time I was slowly getting better. After the climbing we did a bit of abseiling down a section of the rock face. This I particularly enjoyed, as it turns out I prefer to walk backwards down the rock rather than climb up it.

When Wednesday arrived, we were all starting to feel tired, but the groups were changed around and my group started off our two day expedition with a low level walk around the area to the campsite we would be staying at that night. Having a new group meant learning different abilities, but we learnt quickly. The day went well and we walked 12k by the time we got to the campsite. That night we were camping in tents and cooking ration packs on trangiers. This was a new experience for me personally, as I had never tried a ration pack before. But they were surprisingly really nice and I enjoyed the meal. 

On Thursday we finished our expedition by canoeing back. This was interesting as I am not much of a canoeist. But the day went alright, we were in two-man Canadian Canoes and I was sharing with a cadet who knew how to paddle a canoe, so he taught me what to do as well as the instructors. I learnt a lot about how to work with someone else to paddle along smoothly and also how to work together to control the canoe properly. After lunch, we connected all of the canoes up together to build a big raft and paddled back as one, this was good as it enabled cadets and staff to work well together.

Friday morning was spent on the high ropes. This was a good day. It was a good morning out and we all had loads of fun even though it was raining. After that, we got changed and went up to Ambleside to do a bit of shopping and to have a nice relaxing afternoon. 

On the Saturday, we had to pack up and go home. We all had a very good week away, and it was nice to be there as the only one from my squadron as it enabled me to think for myself and make new friends.

I had a good and tiring week away, and the highlight of week was the social aspect of all of the activities. I am hoping to go back again next year as I had such a good time this year.

I would recommend the camp to any cadet. It was physically challenging at times, but the feeling of accomplishment is great and one of the best weeks I have had away as a cadet.'

- Cadet Corporal Hannah Roberts