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Original poster

Cadets annual camp

18 replies

MichaelAndEagle · 12/08/2023 11:06

My DS 15 joined cadets a few months ago and is off to annual camp today.
He was extremely quiet and nervous this morning and now I'm worrying about him.

I think he'll enjoy the activities etc but he struggles with the social side of things. One reason he joined was to make more friends but tbh it doesn't come naturally to him.

Don't know why I'm posting really. I suppose does anyone have a similar quiet, thoughtful type of child that's enjoyed the camp?

He's enjoying the weekly sessions so its not that I'm worried about. And he's physically sporty, on the tall side, so you might not expect him to be as self conscious as he is if you met him.

He used to play rugby but stopped that because he didn't like the bantery type environment iykwim.

He doesn't fit into groups easily but I know its something he wants to be better at.

OP posts:
Original poster
MichaelAndEagle · 12/08/2023 11:07

Its going to be a long week!

OP posts:
MrsSkylerWhite · 12/08/2023 11:08

Sounds just like our son at that age and honestly, he really enjoyed it.

1stTimeMama · 12/08/2023 11:12

My 10yr old came back from Cadet camp last week. He's autistic, and struggles hugely with social interaction, he won't talk to someone unless they initiate the conversation for example. Anyway, he had a wonderful time! They did lots of activities he'd not done before, made a new friend from his unit, and can't wait until he can get back to it in Spetember.

There's a particular instructor that I know he has become quite attached to, and who I have spoken to with regard any concerns I might have, so he knows to keep an eye on him which helps me relax a bit about him being away.

I hope your son has the best time!

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Families
00100001 · 12/08/2023 11:13

The type of kid attracted to cadets should be friendly and welcoming especially at camp.
Plus he'll be busy and just have to crack on with things with others which will help as it's a "guided" activity.

Honourofgrayskull · 12/08/2023 11:14

My DS is also a quiet sole who has made so good friends at cadets. The first time he went to camp I worried but he had a ball. They're kept so busy and there are so many fun activities, hopefully he'll love it too.
His camp was at the beginning of the summer this year and for a teen who doesn't talk much he never stopped when he got back telling us all about it.

ShowOfHands · 12/08/2023 11:15

DH is an adult cadet instructor and is currently away on annual camp. He works tirelessly to make sure his cadets have a good time, takes care of anybody struggling and always remembers how he would want his own DC treated.

I have never met a group of adults more dedicated and I've volunteered in a lot of places. The cadets come home happy and utterly exhausted ime.

SoImpatient80 · 12/08/2023 11:16

My eldest daughter joined Army cadets at the age of 12. She was quiet and shy, not very confident. I wasnt sure about her going to cadets but a friend invited her one night. She absolutely blossomed at cadets, loved the 2 week annual camps where they got to stay at various army sites around the country. She learnt so many life skills and gained so much confidence and made really good friends with not just people at her detachment but with other detachments and companies as the met up on various camps.
Unfortunately she aged out during covid times but when things opened back up she had enjoyed her time so much and felt confident enough to sign back up as a volunteer instuctor and at the age of 21 she is off to 2 week annual camp today but this time as an instructor!

alisonofagun · 12/08/2023 11:16

I'm a Guide leader and have seen so many of the quiet girls come into themselves at camp! And similarly the loud, brashy ones struggle being away from home. Hope your son has a great time!

Hellocatshome · 12/08/2023 11:17

I think cadet camp sounds like a fantastic opportunity for him and just the kind of thing that will help him make some friends. He couldn't be in a better environment. I bet he comes home having had a great time.

Original poster
MichaelAndEagle · 12/08/2023 11:18

Ah guys! Honestly thank you so much for your replies.
I feel so much better.
I'm sure you're right, after all he has to be in it if he wants to make friends. I'm sure he will.

OP posts:
Original poster
MichaelAndEagle · 12/08/2023 11:20

ShowOfHands · 12/08/2023 11:15

DH is an adult cadet instructor and is currently away on annual camp. He works tirelessly to make sure his cadets have a good time, takes care of anybody struggling and always remembers how he would want his own DC treated.

I have never met a group of adults more dedicated and I've volunteered in a lot of places. The cadets come home happy and utterly exhausted ime.

Thank you, this is very reassuring to hear.

OP posts:
daffodilandtulip · 12/08/2023 11:40

DD is a cadet Sargeant and she would always help out a child like this. The camps are full on though, there's not actually that much unstructured time. When they do have downtime, people are lying around on phones or playing music so he can easily not join in if that's what he prefers.

PurpleSteak · 12/08/2023 11:58

Cadets was the absolute making of one of my sons who could have been described like yours.

The other didn't enjoy it as much and didn't benefit in the same way, but he was always "fine".

Original poster
MichaelAndEagle · 12/08/2023 12:24

So glad I posted now. Thank you all.

OP posts:
lljkk · 12/08/2023 13:43

mine is over talkative so not those issues
I can say, cadets are really nice kids. Team players, constructive, collaborative, conscientous, responsible, etc.

SheepBeepBeep · 12/08/2023 13:50

DS is 13 and just back from his first air cadet camp. I was worried how it would go, if they would be overly strict with stuff like uniform and expecting a lot from them, but he had the most amazing time and can’t wait for the next one. He worked towards a badge whilst there and got to speak to lots of people involved in the type of work he wants to go into. They put them into groups for activities so they can get to know the other kids, who he said were all really nice.

When he went away with school earlier in the year he was very obviously not enjoying it as he was ringing home quite often to complain about the food/journey/annoying kids who were keeping them awake at night etc, but he hardly called us during his week at cadet camp as he was just having such a good time and they were kept really busy.

Hope your son has a brilliant week 😊

Fenellapitstop · 12/08/2023 13:51

I have suck fond memories of all my cadet camps, I'm still in touch with people from back then over 30 years on. The kids will keep an eye so will the instructors, and he will 'find his tribe' as they get to meet other squadrons

Original poster
MichaelAndEagle · 12/08/2023 15:15

I'm so happy to read all these replies. It has really put my mind at ease.

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