What is Annual Camp?

Every year, Army Cadet counties across the UK come together for our highlight of the calendar: Annual Camp – an exhilarating residential adventure held during the school holidays. Open to all cadets, these camps are designed to bring us together, learn new skills, build confidence, and have a ton of fun.

Whether you’re a first-year cadet or well on your way through the Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS), Annual Camp is where it all comes together.

Why is Annual Camp the Best Week of the Year?

Skill Building

Cadets work on ACS topics like navigation, first aid, fieldcraft, and more - often achieving new star levels.

Friendship

Annual Camps bring cadets from different detachments together to laugh and learn side-by-side.

Adventure

From shooting to canoeing, paddle boarding to hiking — every day is packed with energy, challenge, and variety.

Outdoor Life

Many camps take place in stunning UK locations, giving you the chance to unplug from school, college, or work and enjoy nature’s beauty.

How We Keep Cadets Safe at Annual Camp

Your safety and wellbeing come first:

  • All Adult Volunteers are trained in first aid and safeguarding
  • A Training Safety Supervisor oversees all activities
  • Medical teams are on-site throughout
  • Clear procedures are in place for emergency situations

Stats from Annual Camp 2024

25000+

Cadets attended Annual Camp

350000+

Ration packs were eaten

999999+

Smiles were seen

Nervous or Need Extra Support?

Whether a cadet is feeling nervous, has additional needs, or just isn’t sure what to expect, they’ll be supported every step of the way. Our Adult Volunteers are trained to create a positive, inclusive environment where every cadet can feel safe and settled. From offering quiet spaces to adjusting routines, we do our best to support individual needs and make sure everyone gets the most out of camp.

Learn more about how we ensure Cadets are safe and happy during their time with us; check out our information on safeguarding and wellbeing

What to Bring to Annual Camp

Uniform and Boots: Ensure you have all items listed on your kit checklist, including your beret.​

Casual Clothing: Make sure to bring civilian clothes too to relax in the evening

Personal Comfort Items: Consider bringing familiar items like your pillow or blanket to make your sleeping area more comfortable.​

Required Medication: Bring any prescribed medication, clearly labelled, and inform the medical staff upon arrival.​

Refillable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial during camp activities.​

Torch: Essential for navigating in low-light conditions.​

Notebook and Pen: Useful for taking notes during training sessions.​

Sense of Adventure: Be ready to embrace new experiences and challenges!

 

What to Leave at Home

  • Bladed items or weapons: Illegal to carry, will be confiscated and may lead to further action. (Non-locking knives under 3 inches are permitted for use during training only).
  • Vapes, e-cigarettes, tobacco, or smoking products: The ACF is a smoke-free organisation.
  • Alcohol or non-prescription drugs: Strictly forbidden and may lead to further action.
  • Fireworks: Dangerous and not permitted.
  • Medication not disclosed to staff: This can present serious safety issues.

 

These aren’t banned, but we strongly advise leaving them at home:

  • Valuable electronics or mobile phones: There’s limited/no opportunity to use them, and they can easily be lost or damaged. (Some county camps have a no phone policy, please get in touch with your unit volunteers)
  • Jewellery or valuables: Best kept safe at home
  • Excessive luggage: Space is limited; stick to the kit list
  • Large amounts of snacks: Meals are provided, and excess food can attract pests

If in doubt, check with your detachment volunteers before packing.

Annual Camp Frequently Asked Questions

Most camps run for 7 days, depending on the county.

Usually, cadets won’t have access to their personal phones all of the time though out the week, however, they do get a chance to check in during downtime. Updates and photos will be shared by staff via closed Facebook groups, our Facebook Page, and the County website throughout the week.

If there’s a medical or personal reason, parents will be contacted immediately to arrange pickup.

We see Annual Camp as a real turning point in a cadet’s journey. It’s where confidence grows, friendships are made, and cadets come home taller, prouder, and buzzing with stories.

Join the Army Cadets today!

Join the Army Cadets to embark on an exciting adventure, develop valuable skills, and build lifelong friendships for young people between 12 to 18.