Cadets Take on Xtreme Everest Selection Week
Forty Army Cadets from across the UK came together for an unforgettable week of challenges, teamwork and determination as they took part in Xtreme Everest Selection Week, competing for the opportunity to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Everest Base Camp.
Led by adventurer and Army Cadets National Ambassador Jordan Wylie MBE, the selection process put cadets through a series of physical and mental challenges designed to assess their resilience, leadership, communication and ability to work as part of a team.
With just 10 cadets set to secure a place on the expedition, the week provided an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their skills, push their boundaries and show what they could achieve.
The Journey Began
Selection Week kicked off on Monday as the 40 cadets arrived, ready to take on the challenge ahead.
After introductions, Jordan Wylie MBE, Murdo Urquhart from the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK), Polly Marsh from the Ulysses Trust, and representatives from the expedition’s sponsors gave the cadets an overview of the expedition and selection process.
Opening day gave cadets the chance to meet fellow participants, learn more about the adventure ahead, and prepare for a demanding week of activities.
Putting Navigation Skills to the Test
On Tuesday, the cadets headed into the rugged moorland of the Forest of Bowland for their first outdoor challenge.
Split into four groups of 10, each supported by two adults, the cadets took part in navigation training, developing their understanding of map reading, grid references and compass bearings.
The challenging terrain provided the perfect environment to develop essential expedition skills while testing their ability to communicate, support one another and work effectively as a team.
With Everest Base Camp as their ultimate goal, the importance of navigation, preparation and teamwork became clear.
Teamwork, Leadership and Problem-Solving
Wednesday brought a different set of challenges as cadets rotated through four activity stations designed to assess their teamwork, leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Raft Building: Cadets worked together to design and build a raft, testing their communication, creativity and teamwork skills.
First Aid: Teams tackled practical first aid scenarios, demonstrating their ability to remain calm, communicate effectively and work together under pressure.
Planning Exercise: A classroom-based scenario challenged cadets to analyse information, make decisions and develop a plan as a team.
STEM Communications Challenge: Using specialist STEM equipment, cadets completed a communications exercise that tested their technical understanding, coordination and problem-solving skills.
Throughout the day, assessors observed how cadets approached each task, supported their teammates, and responded to unfamiliar challenges.
The activities showed that expedition success depends on more than physical fitness. It required adaptability, determination, effective communication and the ability to work together towards a shared goal.
The Ultimate Navigation Challenge
On Thursday, the cadets returned to the Forest of Bowland to put everything they had learnt into practice.
Building on Tuesday’s training, teams faced a navigation challenge that required them to locate a series of clues using grid references, compass bearings and measured distances.
Each clue formed part of a larger puzzle, with teams racing against the clock to collect information and complete the challenge as quickly as possible.
The exercise tested their navigation skills, decision-making and ability to perform under pressure, while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and clear communication.
For many, it was a chance to show how much they had developed over the week.
The Final Stage: Interviews
After four days of activities and assessments, Friday marked the final stage of Selection Week.
Each cadet took part in a formal interview, answering a standard set of questions designed to explore their motivation, commitment and suitability for the expedition.
The interviews gave cadets a chance to reflect on their experiences, explain what the expedition meant to them, and show why they wanted to represent the Army Cadets on this extraordinary adventure.
One Step Closer to Everest Base Camp
Xtreme Everest offers 10 Army Cadets and two adult volunteers an extraordinary opportunity to trek to Everest Base Camp alongside Jordan Wylie MBE.
Supported by ACCT UK, the Ulysses Trust and expedition sponsors, the initiative aims to inspire young people to push beyond their perceived limits, build confidence and experience the life-changing benefits of adventure.
Selection Week was about much more than choosing the next group of participants. It brought together 40 ambitious young people who demonstrated courage, friendship, resilience and a willingness to challenge themselves.
While only a small number could progress to the next stage, every cadet left with new experiences, friendships and skills that would stay with them long after the week had ended.
Meet the Cadets Progressing to the Next Round
Following an intensive week of assessments, challenges and interviews, the following cadets and adult volunteers were selected to progress to the next stage of Xtreme Everest:
Cadets
Cdt Sgt Lexie Allan
Cdt Cpl Sophie Baugh
Cdt Sgt Arthur Cotter
Cdt SSgt George Batten
Cdt Honor Bennett
Cdt Logan Craigie
Cdt LCpl Lauren Bywater
Cdt Sgt Maisie Crothers
Cdt Sgt Holly Masters
Cdt Cpl Alexandra Dixon
Cdt Sgt Brodie Derrigan
Cdt LCpl Zachary Jackson
Cdt Sgt Leighton Lee
Cdt Cpl Ashton Waugh
Cdt Sgt Viktoria Freimane
Cdt LCpl Alexandra Small
Cdt LCpl Lochlan Campbell
Cdt Cpl Kelvin Oti
Cdt Sgt Harry Parnell
Cdt Sgt Harry Worsdell
Adult Volunteers
Maj Hannah Hatch
Maj Jeremy Pitman
Maj Chris Mansfield
Lt Suzie Walker
Congratulations to everyone who took part in Xtreme Everest Selection Week, and best of luck to those continuing their journey towards Everest Base Camp!