Army cadets - what is it?!

[notenoughtogoround]

Hello! My son (13) has shown an interest in Army Cadets (ACF). He’s been to a couple of sessions and enjoyed it, which is obviously the most important thing.
But I’ve got no understanding or experience of this. Does anyone have any insight into what’s involved? For example, there’s talk of camps at weekends and school holidays? Any help would be much appreciated!

My son has just aged out at 18. He has had the best experiences. He’s done Duke of Edinburgh, gained extra qualifications that form part of his exam certificates from the SQA (we are in Scotland), he’s played rugby 7s for Scotland, ditto football, gained all of his promotions, was selected to attend the main STEM camp and was awarded Lord Lieutenant's cadet. He’s done so much, that’s just off the top of my head.

Summer camp is usually a week long. There will also be several weekend camps running from Friday to Monday. There is a cost but not a lot. I think the last summer camp DS did was £40 and covered everything. Weekend camps are usually less than £10.

Your son will be given uniform that he will be taught how to look after. He will need boots which aren’t provided. There are websites that you can use and also selling pages on Facebook. Sleeping bag and some kit needed for camp. Is there anything in particular you’d like to know? DS is really missing it. He wants to go back as an adult instructor but has to wait due to his age.

Don’t worry, there is no pressure from staff about joining the army. He will be taught military skills but it’s more team work and discipline.

I'm an instructor. I really wish I'd got my own kids involved but I never really thought about it at the time despite being ex-forces

You have different levels of achievement in the syllabus and move up as you pass each star level. So, basic, one star, two star, three star, four star, master cadet. You can also be promoted in rank from cadet up to cadet Regimental Sergeant Major. Lots of achievement to be had and there is DOE as well, which doesn't cost you extra.

Subjects are: military knowledge, adventure training, community engagement, communication information systems, drill and turnout, first aid, fieldcraft, navigation, PT, skill at arms, shooting, expedition.

Usually one evening a week, at a small cost (50p at ours) and a shade under £15 for a weekend away ( includes food, those in free school meals pay less). One week annual camp is £80 or so. Adventure training weeks are generally a bit more. There are additional courses and qualifications to be had too if wanted. Uniform (except boots) is provided, most kit is provided as required.

It's actually really, really good. The kids get loads out of it and ours seems to love it. It's learning that's different to school, there's potential to take on responsibility and the maturity and respect for others builds naturally. I've witnessed some right little sods turn round into proper good people which was the founders aim really.

Our motto is inspire to achieve and it's actually really accurate in what we do

October there's a national open week kind of thing going on so you should be able to have a proper look at things.

DS does air cadets. It's been way better than scouts. The scout leader was a bully who made fun of his allergies. Air cadets have always made sure to include him and keep him safe. He's done camps, D of E, all sorts of leadership/team skills. (And also done gliding and flying but I realise that probably doesn't apply in army cadets)

My son got so much out of it, and now he’s a Reservist, presently on two weeks training camp at Catterick.
Army cadets helped make him the man he is today.

My DS did it through school and loved it. Far more organised and fun than cubs and scouts.
He has some food allergies and appreciated the straightforward army ration packs at the weekend camps. Pasta, stews cake and flapjacks.

He was too hot sleeping outdoors in January as I'd bought him a decent low temperature sleeping bag.

This all sounds great thank you! Are the camps compulsory? Selfishly, I don’t want to miss my holidays 🤣

No they aren’t compulsory and you should get advance notice of when camp is. It’s usually the same week in the Summer each week. We then have weekend camp in February, April (sometimes a week camp), September and November. I am in Scotland though. The further they go in their time there could be seniors camp which is also November.

Camps weren't compulsory for mine.

Just to add to this, I’ve found the systems in place are excellent.
Plus, I love that they take the attitude of school comes first. I have a child who is a cadet, and have taught many students who are cadets and they all get so much from it.