Anyone got a child in the cadets?

[AsAProfessionalFekko]

Do they enjoy it? What do they get out of it?

Thinking about it for DS.

DS is an Air Cadet and going to a summer camp for a week. Any ideas how much pocket money sound acceptable?

In the region of £30 should be enough, unless they are going on a day out somewhere for which they might need more.

My dd is 14 and is thinking about joining army cadets. She isn’t confident and is worried she won’t make friends.

There is only an online form to fill in to join our local cadets, no one to question.

Do you think she’ll benefit from joining?

Absolutely. It is basically impossible to join cadets and not make friends.

If you have any questions, the best thing to do is turn up at your local unit on a parade night. The staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. It will probably be quicker than waiting for a response from the form!

I did Air Cadets

Was absolutely the making of me, brilliant for someone who attended an all girls school for a start! Then the flying, climbing, DofE, Millenium Volunteer Award, International Air Cadet Exchange, shooting, drill, BTEC, friendships... I bloody loved it and it taught me great time management!

@luluskiptotheloo did your dd visit or try it out? My ds1 has built some truly solid friendships through cadets, all over the county, to the extent that annual camp in the summer is a big reunion they all get very excited about 🙂. His detachment is small and there is a fab sense of loyalty amonst the cadets.

No she hasn’t visited yet, but I am trying hard to get her there. Dd struggles with anxiety and I think it would be great for her.
Thanks for your help wellies.

lulu look into air cadets rather than army. They tend to be slightly calmer. Our army cadets are really rough in comparison. Air cadets is a great confidence builder; but not quite as harsh as the army.

Thanks trove I will check them out.

Quick question - ds is potentially interested in the air cadets, but he has sight issues - he can see fine, wears glasses to correct a squint, but doesn’t have binocular vision. I’d assumed this rules him out of any flying, and it seems like that’s the main draw for air cadets - anyone know more?

Just checked the flying medical form and there is no questions on vision so it would not rule him out of air experience flying. It could rule him out of scholarships (Which only a few get and you need to be 16) due to the increased medical requirement.

When my DC joined they were just interested in the flying but realistically there is so much more to try which you couldn't anywhere else. She enjoys other things as much as flying now!

And some advice from my DC to yours - If he is at all considering it then try it out. Give it a few weeks as every night is different and the fun stuff doesn't come right away. Best thing my DC has ever done!

Thank you @scotmum2003!

DD is in sea cadets and loves it. It’s got really great opportunities and if your son is interested in gaining qualifications while having fun, this would be perfect for him!

You do know this thread is almost a year old?