Cadets gathered from across the county to put their skills to the test in the County Champion Cadet Competition in the latest challenge for Senior cadets. All aiming to be named Champion cadet 2023.
The weekend provided ample opportunities to demonstrate the skills and knowledge in a wide range of Army Cadet Syllabus subjects. On Saturday the contestants took to the area for a rotation of stands testing Fieldcraft, Navigation, First Aid, Cadet Information Systems (CIS), and Science Technology Engineering Maths (STEM) skills.
In the evening they returned to camp and took part in physical challenges in the Keeping Active section of the syllabus.
After a well earned rest the morning saw two further challenges with shooting on the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT) and a written test.
The challenges complete cadets paused for lunch then gathered to hear the results and collect the coveted champion cadet awards. All the cadets performed well but in a competition there has to be a winner so special congratulations to the three who came out on top:
- Cadet Sergeant Evie Brooks
- Cadet Staff Sergeant Ashlynne Downie
- Cadet Staff Sergeant Charley Foster-Tomlinson.
Cdt Sgt Brooks said: "I went into last weekend’s competition expecting to have some fun and challenge my knowledge, I thought that if I could make it into the top ten then I would be really pleased because I felt the other cadets were much more experienced and knowledgeable than me. Achieving 1st place has left me completely stunned and taught me not to underestimate my abilities.
"Everybody who competed gave each stand their all and the continual support and comradeship from other competitors despite the mixture of companies involved and the fact this was an individual competition was particularly encouraging. The stands were engaging and well thought out, inspiring friendly rivalry and challenging everyone’s knowledge. It was a fun and challenging experience which I recommend to everyone who is given the opportunity in the future and I’m excited to be travelling to Frimley for the national competition."
