This year we were thrilled to receive grant funding from ACCT UK, enabling the purchase of essential expedition equipment, including Access Outdoors Endurance Lava 400 gas stoves, Berghaus Deluge Jackets, Keela Rainlife Trousers, and Access Outdoors Endurance Mission Slimjim Rucksacks. This grant significantly enhanced our expedition capabilities, benefiting cadets across the county during the August County Expedition, two Company-run expeditions, and several autumn training events.
The additional stoves allowed us to form more groups during expeditions, ensuring compliance with ACS/DofE requirements and facilitating more Bronze and Silver DofE qualifications, as well as 2 and 3-star achievements. Meanwhile, the new waterproof jackets and trousers addressed critical size gaps in our stock, ensuring better weather protection and fulfilling our duty of care to cadets and adult instructors. For instance, six cadets on the County Expedition and several others in autumn activities received properly fitting waterproofs, greatly improving their safety and comfort.
Furthermore, the Slimjim rucksacks solved a persistent issue with poorly fitting waistbelts on existing gear, which previously risked injury for smaller cadets. These new rucksacks provided a secure and comfortable fit, enhancing the expedition experience for petite cadets.
Overall, the grant-funded equipment has already positively impacted numerous cadets and adult instructors, enabling safer, more inclusive participation in expedition training.
ACCT UK, a national youth charity with over 90 years of service, supports young people through grants that help them build confidence, learn skills, and thrive within the Army Cadet experience. Their support has made a lasting difference in the lives of our cadets and volunteers.