Suffolk Cadets Enjoy Adventure at Annual Camp 2026

And we’re off!

Day one of Annual Camp 26 saw cadets arriving, getting settled into camp life and beginning to find their feet in the camp routine.

After the initial company parades, cadets got stuck into a range of Army engagement and STEM challenges. The Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers brought along a fun reaction test, which proved a hit, while Army vehicles and equipment gave cadets the chance to get up close and discover more about the Army.

For our senior cadets, it was time to put their fieldcraft skills to the test as they prepared for and set off on their expedition. They go out in the field for two days, putting their teamwork, resilience and leadership skills into action.

And, of course, no first day of camp would be complete without a little treat! Operation Ice Cream rolled into camp, with an ice cream van keeping cadets — and even our adult volunteers — cool and happy!

Day one complete. Bring on day two!

Challenges and adventure!

Day two of Annual Camp saw cadets getting stuck into a variety of activities across the camp and surrounding area.

A Company headed out on a fieldcraft expedition, putting their cadet skills to the test as they worked together and tackled the challenges of the day.

B Company took on a navigation exercise around the local area, using their map-reading and navigation skills to find their way between checkpoints. This proved to be a bit muddy in places!

C Company had a busy day of adventure training, taking on the high ropes and climbing wall before putting their teamwork and STEM skills to the test with bridge building. They also had the chance to try something a little different – axe throwing!

With plenty of teamwork, challenges and a few new experiences along the way, day two proved to be another action-packed day at Annual Camp.

Plenty of Camp Spirit!

Day three of Annual Camp brought another change of activities as the companies swapped roles.

This time, it was A Company’s turn to get stuck into adventure training! Cadets took on the climbing wall, high ropes and bridge-building challenges, putting their teamwork, courage and problem-solving skills to the test. There were plenty of challenges to overcome – a few moments of “I’m definitely not doing that!” before giving it a go!

B Company headed out on a fieldcraft expedition, putting their knowledge and skills to the test in a fun but challenging environment. Along the way, there was also time to celebrate a special occasion, with one of our cadets marking their birthday at camp. What better way to celebrate than with your mates and a whole lot of adventure?

Meanwhile, C Company were busy putting their map-reading skills to the test, navigating their way around the area and making the most of the sunshine.

We were also pleased to welcome visitors to camp, including the East Anglia RFCA Chief Executive and Suffolk ACF’s Honorary Colonel. Their visits provided plenty of encouragement and inspiration for both cadets and adults.

It was also a chance to recognise some of our adult volunteers. RSM Coins were presented to one CFAV from each company who, over the past year, have gone above and beyond to support our cadets and make a real difference.

The cadets are really getting into their stride now, embracing the challenges, making memories and enjoying everything that camp life has to offer. With plenty more adventure still to come!

Expeditions and run-away roll mats!

Today saw both B Company and Senior Cadets tackle the challenges of adventure training. With our very own Capt Ord showing the youngsters how it’s done on the high-ropes!

For navigation those on 1 and 2 stars took on distances of between 13 and 15 km respectively around the camp and saw teams traverse the countryside and put, for those being assessed, their skills at map and compass work.  All teams stopped at Swynnerton Church for a well-earned lunch break before setting off to complete their walks.

As Navigation ended and with expedition about to begin (yes more foot slogging for some poor adults!) the cadets were treated to a celestial event, the partial solar eclipse. Camp activity came to a standstill as cadets put on their eclipse glasses to enjoy the event. A big thank you to Lt Gleed for providing the protective glasses.

For those cadets on Expedition it was off to the hilly Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park (very similar to Suffolk countryside..not!). Due to temperature considerations the groups left camp in the afternoon to travel to the camp site and pitch tents on the hillside. One cadet was heard to say they lost their roll mat as it rolled down the hillside!

Navigation, Views & Military History

Day 5 saw our navigation teams taking on the next stage, with routes heading towards Thors Cave, through Darley Dale and finishing at the Dovetail stepping stones before heading to the Heights of Abraham above Matlock Bath.

All teams successfully headed south… well, almost all! One team somehow managed to head north — we’re putting that one down to the map being upside down!

Once reunited, the cadets took in the spectacular views across the gorge before enjoying a cable car ride back down to the car park and camp.

Meanwhile, warmer temperatures meant a change of plan for our cadets scheduled for shooting, with the full-bore ranges closed due to the increased fire risk. Instead, they headed out to the National Memorial Arboretum and Staffordshire Regiment Museum for a day of remembrance, heritage and local military history.

Another busy day, with plenty of fun experiences!

Final full day fun!

Day 6 brought our final full day of camp and a round robin of activities, with cadets and adults alike feeling the energy-sapping effects of the heatwave!

Despite the heat, the cadets continued to get stuck in, taking on a variety of challenges throughout the day. The indoor ranges provided some welcome relief, with cadets putting their skills to the test on the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT).

Outside, the 25-metre full-bore range was in action, giving cadets the opportunity to develop their shooting skills, while archery and paintball added even more variety to the day’s activities.

A busy, action-packed way to round off the last full day of camp — and a brilliant effort from everyone despite the soaring temperatures!

C Company Success!

The final morning of camp saw the final Company and Commandant’s parades, with plenty of awards handed out to both cadets and adult volunteers. C Company celebrated its success, winning the overall camp competition. Its cadets delivering an outstanding performance throughout the week. Congratulations C Company!

We are proud of all of our cadets for giving it their all over the week and facing the challenges head on with determination and resilience. They hopefully went home with some great memories, new skills and new friends! A massive thank you also goes to all of our adult volunteers for putting in the hard work to give the cadets such a fantastic experience. It is appreciated by all here at Suffolk ACF.

Here’s to more fun, friendships and challenges at annual camp 2027!

A final thank you goes to Sgt Mills and WO2 Burns for their assistance and input into this article.