Army Cadet International Exchange 2025
Welcoming Cadets from Around the World
The UK’s 2025 Army Cadet International Exchange is now in full swing, running from 26 June to 17 July. This year, the UK proudly hosts cadets and adult volunteers from Estonia, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and for the first time ever, Australia. Held across three countries within the UK—Wales, Scotland, and England—the exchange celebrates camaraderie, cultural understanding, and the spirit of adventure. Supported by a dedicated UK Host Team, cadets are set to experience a rich programme filled with military, adventurous, and cultural activities.
Week One – Adventurous Training in Snowdonia
The first week began with cadets travelling to Capel Curig in North Wales, home to the stunning Snowdonia National Park. Here, cadets tackled the rugged outdoors with a multi-activity adventure package. Activities included mountaineering on Y Wyddfa (Snowdon), canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, rock climbing, caving, and mountain biking. The varied programme helped build confidence, resilience, and team spirit.
“It’s been an incredible experience — I’ve never been on a camp this big before, and meeting cadets from so many different backgrounds has been amazing. My favourite part has been getting to know everyone and learning about their cultures. Activity-wise, it’s a tie between the mines and paddle boarding — both were so much fun.”
— CSM R Kidd – Devon ACF
“This experience has meant a lot to me — it’s my first time on an international exchange, and I’ve loved learning about global cadet practices. The best part has been meeting cadets from around the world. My favourite activity was the mine visit — we were underground, climbing waterfalls… it was something I’ve never done before and really enjoyed.”
— CSM Katie Ma, Royal County of Berkshire ACF
-
Cadets from Latvia preparing for climbing -
Caving activities -
Cadets from Poland doing Paddle sports
Week Two – Military Training at Barry Buddon, Scotland
From the Welsh mountains, cadets moved north to Barry Buddon Training Centre in Scotland for the military phase. Set in a historically rich and ecologically protected site, the cadets experienced core Army Cadet training activities. They engaged in paintballing, navigation exercises, fieldcraft, shooting, and even visited Glamis Castle, deepening their understanding of both military practice and Scottish heritage.
“Scotland has been amazing for me, especially the mesmerising city of Edinburgh which felt like a dream come true . The field exercise gave me the exposure to practical application of military tactics and operations. Barry Buddon gave us an opportunity to make bonds with cadets across different nations as well. It was a wholesome experience!”
– SUO Tejal Bhavsar (India)
Week Three – Cultural Exploration in London
The final week brought cadets to London for a whirlwind cultural experience. They toured landmarks including the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, Downing Street, and more. Visits to embassies and the Royal Hospital Chelsea added diplomatic and historical depth. The exchange concluded with a spectacular formal dinner at the Honourable Artillery Company and the Military Music Spectacular at Horse Guards Parade.
This unique international exchange has created lasting memories and friendships across borders. With adventure, military training, and cultural immersion, it reflects the Army Cadets’ ethos of Fun, Friendship, and Belonging—building leaders of the future, one unforgettable summer at a time.
View the full gallery here
Explore highlights from the 2025 Army Cadet International Exchange—three weeks of adventure, training, and culture across Wales, Scotland, and London with cadets from six nations.