Report by Lt. Poole

The Cadets’ “First Knight” trip to Yardley Chase on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th April was an unforgettable adventure filled with teamwork, challenge, and plenty of excitement.

We arrived early in the morning and immediately got to work building our bashas in a stunning bluebell woodland. This activity was brilliantly led by our Year 13 Cadet Corporal Major Ioana Marcu, whose confidence and leadership set the tone for the whole trip. Once settled, we moved on to learning the essentials of camouflage and concealment, putting our skills to the test in a thrilling stalk exercise that had everyone fully engaged.

As evening approached, our Year 10 and Year 11 senior cadets took charge of organising the night-time activities. Their efforts paid off, with everyone thoroughly enjoying the challenges and teamwork involved. We also learned how to cook in the field, which made for a well-earned and delicious evening meal.

The night itself was cold but beautifully clear, giving us the perfect opportunity to try spotting meteors as we settled down after a busy day. It was a memorable moment that many of us will not forget.

The following morning began with a warming breakfast before we launched into another action-packed day. Navigation exercises tested our skills and teamwork, while paintball and field stalking activities brought plenty of energy, laughter, and a bit of mud!

Throughout the trip, the cadets were outstanding. They showed resilience, enthusiasm, and excellent teamwork, and it was fantastic to see how well they bonded with the Kingsthorpe students.

A huge thank you goes to Sgt Major Webber, Lt. Poole, Lt. Charlton, Capt. Rayner, and Mrs Boyle for their dedication and hard work in making the trip such a success. “First Knight” was truly an incredible experience that will stay with everyone involved for a long time.