Posted on 31st August, 2023

Trustees and other ‘Friends’, including our Patron the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Mr Ian Dodson CBE KStJ, had the pleasure of a visit to the Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force annual camp which took place at Oakhampton Battle Camp, 18th – 26th August 2023. During the camp, Cadets undertook a wide range of training, developing individual, team and leadership skills which they practice across a range of activities.

The ‘Friends’ started their visit with a presentation and discussion about the current challenges faced by adult volunteers andcadetsduring which we became much more aware of the welfare needs of our adults and cadets. It was pleasing, yet sobering, to hear that forty-eight cadets would not have been able to attend the camp without the financial support of the Friends. This is much higher than pre-pandemic levels and the Trustees agreed a commitment to review the criteria that governs what they financially support.

Following lunch with the Cadets, Adult Volunteers and Officers, the Friends observed training activities designed to promote teamwork and leadership skills and in the evening they attended a Mess Dinner at the invitation of the Commandant.

On the the final day, the Friends enjoyed watching the final drill competitions prior to the annual prize-giving and a moving drum-head ceremony.