Berkshire ACF at our 2025 Annual Camp
Berkshire ACF Annual Camp
We are delighted to welcome Cadets and CFAVs from across Berkshire to this year’s Annual Camp. This is a week we have been eagerly anticipating, and it promises to be action packed from start to finish. Each year, detachments from across the county come together to learn, grow, and challenge themselves. As a result, camp has become a special time when we leave the everyday behind and focus on new experiences. Over the coming days, we will see old friends reunited, new friendships formed, and teams built on trust, respect, and shared goals.
A Week of Leadership in Action
Our programme will stretch every individual. Cadets and adult volunteers will push their boundaries and discover what they are capable of. In addition, adventurous training, fieldcraft, competitions, and skill based activities will provide opportunities to take on leadership roles. For example, participants may guide a small team or lead a larger group. In either case, they will make decisions under pressure, communicate clearly, and inspire others to succeed.
Building Strong Teams
Teamwork sits at the heart of camp. Therefore, success depends on how well we work together and support each other. Each task will bring people together to combine strengths and reach a shared goal. As a result, the bonds formed here will last long after camp ends. Furthermore, these connections strengthen our county network and make every detachment more resilient for the year ahead.
Growing as Individuals
Annual Camp is also about personal development. Consequently, participants will learn new skills, overcome fears, and improve physical fitness. Many will also find the confidence to speak up and share their ideas. By the end of the week, everyone will have the chance to return home with more than just memories. In fact, they will take away new tools, valuable experiences, and a mindset ready for future challenges both inside and outside the Army Cadets.
Here is to an unforgettable week ahead.
A windy and wild day two and three!
The second and third days of Berkshire ACF Annual Camp have been full of challenge, determination and teamwork as cadets of all star levels continue to push themselves in a wide variety of activities designed to develop both individual skills and group cohesion.
Our One Star cadets have embarked on their first expedition, navigating a beautiful coastal route that has already tested their navigation ability, fitness and resilience. For many it has been their first experience of route planning in unfamiliar terrain and, although demanding at times, they have supported each other brilliantly throughout, demonstrating excellent communication and teamwork. In addition, the One Star cadets remaining in camp have been learning essential first aid skills, gaining the confidence to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
Meanwhile, the Two Star cadets have spent their time on the range completing their 25m syllabus shoot. This activity demands focus, discipline and a calm mindset under pressure. Each cadet has shown great determination to improve their marksmanship and qualify, whilst encouraging their peers to reach the required standard.
The Three Star cadets have moved on to adventurous training. One of the most challenging elements so far has been abseiling down exposed rock faces. This activity has required cadets to overcome fear, trust the safety systems, and listen carefully to their instructors and team mates. Their confidence has grown visibly with each descent and their ability to work together has become stronger as a result.
Our Four Star cadets have now deployed on to the field exercise phase of camp. Working as a team, they are refining their field craft skills and applying everything they have learned so far in realistic and demanding scenarios. This phase places a strong emphasis on leadership and decision making, and we are already seeing excellent examples of cadets stepping up to support others. There will be plenty more action to follow over the next few days.
In addition, several of our most senior cadets have been working towards their ILM Level 3 qualification. After a series of engaging leadership lectures, they are now preparing to complete their workbooks and deliver the practical elements of the award. This is a challenging programme, but it is a fantastic opportunity for them to develop their leadership style, build resilience and gain a nationally recognised qualification.
Overall, the past two days have shown outstanding examples of teamwork, leadership and personal determination across all levels. Every cadet has been challenged and, importantly, has risen to that challenge together.
