News
September 25th 2024
Flagship Cadet camp featuring emerging tech and an air show returns to Nottinghamshire
More than 1,000 Cadets travelled from all over the country to RAF Syerston, Newark, in August for the Air Cadets’ flagship National Air & Space Camp.
Described by some as one of the best Air Cadet camps in the country, the popular week-long event features 100s of activities, from specialist space and cyber workshops to a visit to the National Space Centre and drones, engineering and simulated aerospace training courses.
First organised in 2015, the camp sees 300 Air Cadets invited for the week-long experience with an extra 1,100 Cadets plus Cadet Volunteers from across all branches invited for the industry day.
‘One of the best camps in the Air Cadets’
Wing Commander Mark Brayford, Camp Commandant, said: “The idea behind the National Air & Space Camp is to offer Cadets opportunities and experiences they wouldn’t usually get in the mainstream organisation. This could range from a space course to a visit to an industry partner such as Rolls-Royce or Marshalls.
“The camp today is marked as one of the best camps in the Air Cadets organisation and it’s highlighted by the fact Cadets will travel such long distances.
“This week, the furthest Cadets have come from Scotland, travelling 400 miles to come here. We’ve got a Cadet from Jersey, that’s 300 miles, and even coaches travelling 12 hours from the South West through holiday traffic to be here. The commitments made are amazing.”
Sergeant Finlay Wright, of 1936 (Newton) Squadron, was attending for the third year running. He said: “We do a lot of activities on the camp such as engineering, STEM, flight simulations and – for this year – e-sports.
“It’s a great camp, especially for those who have a passion for aviation and want to go into the Air Force as you get a lot of hands-on experience.
“My favourite part of camp are the helicopter lifts we get at the end of the week. It’s a completely different experience. No one else except for really Cadets get that opportunity and to be able to have that at the end of the week is a great week to end the camp.”
Inspire the next generation
Derbyshire’s Acres Engineering was one of 74 industry partners from military and civilian circles invited to exhibit to the Cadets on the industry day.
Alice Parker, HR and HSQE Manager at Acres Engineering, said: “We organise a lot of outreach programmes due to the fact we hold the Gold Award in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
“I find it really important that we inspire the minds of young engineers, offering both advice and helpful hints and tips about how to get started in their careers.”
