Joining the Army Cadets is about much more than learning new skills. It’s about trying exciting activities, making friends, building confidence and challenging yourself in a supportive environment.
From adventurous training and outdoor expeditions to first aid, music, leadership and sport, Army Cadets offers young people aged 12 to 18 the opportunity to experience activities they may never get the chance to try elsewhere. Whether you’re climbing a mountain, learning lifesaving skills or working towards nationally recognised qualifications, every activity helps you grow in confidence while having fun.
Explore the different activity pathways below to discover everything Army Cadets has to offer.
Discover Fun Activities for Teenagers
If you’re looking for fun activities for teenagers that are exciting, rewarding and different every week, Army Cadets offers something for everyone.
The Army Cadets gives young people the opportunity to spend time outdoors, learn practical life skills and challenge themselves both individually and as part of a team. Along the way, they’ll build confidence and resilience, make friends from different communities and work towards recognised qualifications and awards. As they gain experience, cadets can also progress into leadership and instructor roles, developing valuable skills that will benefit them both within the Army Cadets and beyond.
Activities can include:
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Climbing and caving
- Hill walking and mountaineering
- Mountain biking
- Skiing
- Navigation and expeditions
- First aid
- Sport and fitness
- Music
- Fieldcraft
- Community engagement
Not every activity is available at every detachment. Opportunities vary depending on your location, age, experience and the time of year, with many specialist activities delivered through county, regional or national events.
The Army Cadet Syllabus
Everything cadets learn is built around the Army Cadet Syllabus, a progressive training programme that develops knowledge, skills and confidence.
Cadets begin with Basic Training before progressing through the Star levels, developing skills across a wide range of subjects including:
- First aid
- Navigation and expeditions
- Fieldcraft
- Communications
- Community engagement
- Keeping active
- Music
- Leadership and instruction
As cadets gain experience, they can choose elective subjects that match their interests while continuing to develop practical skills that are valuable both within Army Cadets and everyday life. From adventurous training to music to first aid, cadets can carve out a journey that reflects who they are and who they want to become.
Try Adventurous Training and Outdoor Activities
Adventure is a huge part of life in the Army Cadets. These activities aren’t just about excitement. They help young people develop resilience, teamwork, independence, leadership and decision-making while learning to work safely in challenging outdoor environments.
As experience grows, cadets may progress from introductory sessions to specialist courses, national expeditions and instructor qualifications, opening the door to even more opportunities.
Cadets have opportunities to take part in adventurous training activities including:
Learn hill and mountain walking with Mountain Training and NNAS courses, paddlesport with British Canoeing Awarding Body, or Mountain Biking with Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme (MIAS).
Complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Many cadets choose to work towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award alongside their Army Cadet training.
The skills developed through Army Cadets naturally support many sections of the award, including:
- Volunteering
- Physical activity
- Skills
- Expeditions
Depending on age and eligibility, cadets can work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards while developing independence, teamwork and leadership along the way.
Train at Our National Training Centres
Army Cadets’ National Training Centres provide opportunities for specialist training beyond weekly detachment activities.
Cadets can attend camps, courses and development programmes covering adventurous training, leadership, instructional techniques and a variety of specialist subjects.
These centres support progression throughout a cadet’s journey, helping young people develop new skills and prepare for greater responsibilities.
Attendance depends on age, experience, course availability and regional selection.
What Do Young People Gain from Cadet Activities?
Confidence
Teamwork
Leadership
Qualifications and Awards
Which Army Cadet Activities Can I Do Near Me?
Every detachment delivers the Army Cadet syllabus, but the activities available can vary depending on your location.
Some adventurous training, specialist courses and national expeditions are delivered through county, regional or national programmes, meaning cadets often have opportunities beyond their local detachment as they progress.
The best way to discover what’s available near you is to find your local Army Cadet detachment and speak to the adult volunteers about the activities on offer. You can find out more about our cadet joining process here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cadets Activities
Army Cadets offers a wide range of activities including adventurous training, fieldcraft, first aid, navigation, music, sport, leadership, community engagement, drill and turnout and nationally recognised qualifications.
Yes. Army Cadets is open to young people aged 12 to 18, with activities adapted to suit different ages, experience levels and stages of progression.
Outdoor activities may include kayaking, canoeing, climbing, hill walking, mountain biking, mountaineering, navigation, caving, skiing and expeditions.
No. Most activities are suitable for beginners, with training delivered progressively as cadets develop their skills and confidence.
No. While every detachment delivers the Army Cadet Syllabus, specialist activities vary depending on location, facilities and regional opportunities.
Yes. Cadets can work towards a variety of recognised qualifications, awards and leadership opportunities throughout their time in Army Cadets.
Army Cadets offers excellent value, with a small charge at most detachments. Some camps or specialist activities may have additional costs, although many opportunities are heavily subsidised. Your local detachment can provide details. Find more information about costs, commitment and participation here.
Find your nearest Army Cadet detachment, attend a parade night and discover everything Army Cadets has to offer.
Start Your Next Adventure with Army Cadets
Find your nearest detachment today and discover where your Army Cadet journey could take you.
