On Saturday 26^th February some cadets from 1181 Syston Squadron ventured out into the hills of Bradgate Park.

We kick-started the day by meeting our instructors: Flying Officer Kenyon, Sergeant Harrison and Flight Lieutenant Towell; not forgetting our assessors Sergeant Ison and Sergeant Tattersall of course.

After being split into two teams we went our separate ways for about an hour or so. One group was learning the vital information on how to efficiently pack a rucksack for expeditions such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award while the other team began their map reading training. They were learning how to triangulate themselves, take bearings and orientate the map to name but a few skills.

After swapping round, and another hour or so later, we stopped off for some lunch at the cafe. But time was off the essence and we needed to reserve a full hour to complete our assessment. The assessment involved navigating to various positions around Bradgate Park. Despite the fact you were in teams, the navigating was left up to an individual until the destination was reached and then it was someone else’s turn.

Many skills and attributes were acquired throughout the whole day by every cadet. So after gaining the Bronze Navigation Award, I’m sure all of these cadets now have the skills and the confidence to go and complete their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Despite the wet weather, our time at Bradgate Park was really enjoyable. I hope we have the opportunity to further our skills and put the ones we’ve learnt into practice in the not too distant future.

-Corporal B Setchell