A unique Annual Camp for the Cadets of Essex is about to begin. 2 years ago we had a full County Camp in Pirbright. Last year at the peak of the pandemic we were able to host a one of a kind Virtual Annual Camp. This year we are pleased to be in a position to return to 'face to face' training. In the ACF safety remains our key priority for our cadets and instructors and despite 'freedom day' on July 19th we have lots of procedures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Unlike a normal camp, this year Essex are not moving 500 people to one location for a central camp experience, instead we are operating in a number of training bubbles. Some of these bubbles will be non-residential and will have cadets and instructors commuting to and from training locations. Other elements of the annual camp including our adult training and our special senior cadet Sergeant's Cardre will be operating residentially from our training facility in colchester, which shares the training area and ranges with the garrison.
Camp kicks off tomorrow for many of our instructors with our residential element starting! There will be a strong push on ensuring our residential camp is Covid-19 secure with measures in place, including touch point cleaning, LFTs, social distancing and many other additional controls.
The Commandant has outlined her four aims for this year's Annual Camp which are:
Allow members of Essex ACF to reconnect with the Cadet Experience.
Consolidate friendships developed in the virtual space.
Practice the physical element's of virtual training.
To be inspired by the adventure that is the ACF.
We know our volunteers are as excited as our cadets and we have some excellent activities lined up. There is a 'Signals Roadshow', a fantastic Range package, unique leadership training opportunities and some excellent AT (such as standing up paddle boarding and mountain biking) to look forward to. This year's camp also offers our cadets and instructors a much needed chance to socialise and integrate with each other again. It has been a tough 18 months for the UK and indeed the world, much has changed and we have certainly been through a lot together. We are proud that the ACF has used this unpredictable time to grow and develop and we cant wait for camp to get started!
Make sure you follow our daily web updates, we might have a few surprises in store and we will certainly have lots of action fun and adventure!
