How to Prepare for Annual Camp
Annual camp is the highlight of the Army Cadets year. Here are the need-to-knows before you go, according to Cdt RSM Phoebe Clark of Yorkshire North & West ACF.
Talk Through any Worries
Have a chat with one or two senior cadets before you go if you are nervous about attending camp for the first time. Also, talk to others who’ve been before and can tell you what to expect. Get yourself a good bunch of friends to hang around with. If you feel homesick or are struggling, they will know you better than anyone else. Remember, when you get to camp you can talk to friends, senior cadets and instructors if you have any wellbeing concerns.
Prep your Skills
You will feel so much more confident if you revisit your Army Cadets knowledge before you go – the fieldcraft, drill and navigation manuals are great resources if you want to revise the syllabus.
If you’re a senior, take a bit of time to think through the kind of questions you could be asked by junior cadets and prepare some answers. Being up to speed will make you feel more confident. And if there are gaps in your knowledge, speak up about it in advance and see if someone can support you in that area.
Consider your Kit
Listen carefully when you are briefed on what you will be doing at camp and make sure you pack everything on your kit list. That way you’ll be ready for each activity you’ll be involved in. Don’t be that cadet who forgets their beret! Ensure you’ve packed yours. And don’t be afraid to take something from home that will be soothing and reassuring such as your own pillow or blanket.
Be Ready to Buddy Up
If you get to camp and don’t have anyone to hang around with, don’t worry. Ask a senior if they can help buddy you up with others.
Remember, out of hundreds of cadets you won’t be the only one who may be feeling lonely or without a friend group. Let someone know so they can connect you with cadets with similar interests.
Get your Attitude on Point
If you need help with anything before or during camp, be the kind of cadet who asks. We all need to learn, so it’s good to reach out for help when you need it.
Be prepared to go out of your comfort zone; your future self will thank you. Be willing to try everything – if you don’t, you’ll be wasting the opportunities that annual camp can provide. Finish each task. If there is an activity you don’t like, don’t just give up. You only have to give it your all for a short amount of time. Push through and you’ll develop resilience.
Be Friendly
When you go to your room, aim to be friendly with everyone. If you have a good relationship with your roommates and are polite, it’ll be easier to make a request or suggest a time to turn the lights off.
Be prepared to communicate and compromise. For instance, if you want to go to bed earlier than someone else, you may have to compromise and agree to an in between lights-off time.
ਆਰਮੀ ਕੈਡੇਟਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋਵੋ today to take part in our annual camps!