Exercise STEM Challenge 2026
From engineering challenges and flight simulators to an unforgettable flight aboard a Chinook helicopter, 317 cadets from across the UK came together for five days of innovation, teamwork and competition at Exercise STEM Challenge 2026.
The annual event brought together cadets from the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and کمبائنڈ کیڈٹ فورس (CCF), allowing them to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through practical challenges delivered by specialist British Army Corps and Regiments.
Hosted by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), the exercise drew 317 cadets, 68 adult volunteers, 32 Regular Army staff and delivered 2,800 hours of activity, demonstrating the Army’s commitment to inspiring young people through STEM.
A total of 32 teams, including 25 ACF and seven CCF teams, took part in the five-day competition, developing their technical knowledge alongside essential life skills.
Putting STEM Skills to the Test
Throughout the week, cadets rotated through interactive stands run by specialist Army personnel, each designed to challenge their problem-solving abilities, creativity, and teamwork.
The participating Corps included the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Royal Engineers (RE), Royal Corps of Signals (RS), Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), Army Air Corps (AAC), Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC), Royal Artillery (RA), Royal Armoured Corps (RAC), ، اور Intelligence Corps (INT).
Each stand featured practical activities that encouraged cadets to think critically, work collaboratively and apply STEM principles to real-world scenarios.
Highlights included vehicle recovery demonstrations with REME, small low-air rocket systems and field gun displays from the Royal Artillery, and supply-drop challenges and flying simulators with the Army Air Corps. Cadets had the opportunity to experience scuba diving with the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), putting their underwater communication skills to the test using line ropes and even enjoying a game of noughts and crosses beneath the surface.
Cadets also experienced STEM-focused gaming aboard the Army’s esports bus.
Teams accumulated points throughout the competition, with their performance contributing towards the overall results and awards ceremony.
Taking STEM to New Heights
One of the biggest highlights of Ex STEM Challenge 2026 was the chance for every participating cadet to fly aboard a Chinook helicopter.
For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offered a unique perspective on military aviation and the technology and engineering behind these impressive aircraft.
“STEM Camp 2026 at Altcar was a fantastic, captivating and truly unforgettable experience. The various stands and activities gave my fellow cadets and me a fascinating insight into the Army, STEM and the wide range of opportunities available to us.
It was an incredibly fun, diverse and interesting week, and without doubt one of the best experiences of my cadet career. The opportunity to fly in a Chinook helicopter was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget.
The camp has also helped shape my thoughts about my future career path. I would love to see STEM Camp promoted throughout my battalion so that other cadets can enjoy the same opportunities and experiences that I have had.” – Cadet CSM Kyle Trenberth, بلیک واچ بٹالین ACF
Building Confidence and Inspiring Futures
Beyond the technical challenges, Ex STEM Challenge gave cadets a chance to build confidence, resilience, leadership and communication skills while making new friendships with young people from across the country.
Brigadier Gary McDade, Deputy Commander Cadets, emphasised the importance of providing young people with opportunities that prepare them for the future.
He said: “We are modernising Army Cadets and finding a place for STEM, ensuring that we continue to offer young people opportunities that prepare them for the world they’re going to be living in as adults.
“Leadership, values and standards are at the heart of everything we do. We want young people to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, develop resilience and make lasting friendships.
“Events like STEM Challenge demonstrate the incredible talent and potential of our cadets. They are inquisitive, they have technological minds, and the skills they develop through these experiences will stand them in good stead, whatever path they choose in life.”
During the visitors’ day, guests also heard from Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) James Abbott of مرسی سائیڈ اے سی ایف, who shared his personal journey through the Army Cadets.
Having joined at the age of 12, Cadet RSM Abbott described how his experiences had shaped his confidence, leadership abilities and future ambitions.
Reflecting on his time in the organisation, he said: “Of my 773,618 decisions, joining cadets was the best one, and it will echo through my life forever.”
“Joining the Army Cadets was definitely the best decision I’ve ever made. I joined at 12 years old, and from the beginning, I wanted to get involved in everything. I went to every camp and took every opportunity available to me, always pushing myself to progress, learn new skills and take on new challenges.
“Throughout my cadet journey, I’ve developed leadership skills, confidence and gained experiences I never imagined I’d have. From completing challenging courses and competitions to becoming Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major of Merseyside ACF, every opportunity has helped shape the person I am today.
“The experiences and leadership skills I’ve gained through the Army Cadets have also shaped my future career ambitions. As I prepare to leave cadets, I’m hoping to gain a place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and commission as an officer. Looking back at everything I’ve achieved, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the opportunities the Army Cadets has given me.”
And the winners are…
The week concluded with the awards ceremony, celebrating teamwork, innovation, and enthusiasm. Prizes were awarded to the top three teams across all corps activities, recognising excellence in problem-solving, communication, and leadership.
Congratulations to the winners:
1st place: Black Watch Battalion ACF Group 3
2nd place: Yorkshire ACF Group 34
3rd place: King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford CCF, Group 6
اگلی نسل کو متاثر کرنا
Ex STEM Challenge 2026 highlighted the importance of introducing young people to STEM subjects through engaging, hands-on experiences.
Supported by Army personnel, adult volunteers and industry sponsors like TENET, the event gave cadets the opportunity to explore new interests, discover potential career pathways and develop skills that will benefit them long after their cadet journey.
From tackling complex engineering challenges to taking to the skies in a Chinook, the exercise demonstrated that STEM is about much more than science and technology. It’s about curiosity, collaboration, innovation and having the confidence to take on new challenges.
For the participating cadets, Ex STEM Challenge 2026 was an opportunity to learn, compete, make new friends and discover just how far their potential could take them.
Thank you to the team at REME for making this possible, and to all the Merseyside ACF adult volunteers.