In August 2013 almost 100 cadets and staff from Sea Cadet units which make up the Surrey District descended upon the National Sea Cadet Training Centre at Weymouth for their annual Summer camp.

Usually focused on boating, this year saw a new facet, provided by Petty Officer Danny Murphy of Farnham, Aldershot and Fleet unit, with the inclusion of Adventurous Training, a new part of the new Sea Cadet Adventure Training Syllabus.

Over the course of the week, a select group of cadets, were taken through their paces on the centre's purpose built indoor climbing wall. Working hard over the first two days, all the cadets achieved their National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme Level 1 award and Sea Cadet Basic Climbing Qualification.

Work continued late into the Tuesday evening as the newly trained cadets used their skills to deliver “try a climb” sessions to other cadets and staff, including the District Officer, Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Kevin Milligan RNR.

Wednesday dawned a spectacular day and the cadets made their way to Dancing Ledge in Swanage where they experienced first hand the thrill of Coasteering, jumping from cliffs into the sea, and climbing up rock faces, just to throw themselves off again. All the cadets did fantastically, especially given the amount of swimming involved and the accidental loss of a shoe!

Thursday was the pinnacle of the week and saw the cadets climbing and abseiling outdoors on Portland. Working top rope climbs in 20 degree heat, the cadets and staff did a fantastic job. The day culminated in an abseil nearly 30 metres down to the sea below. But not before a swift visit from the Headquarters Staff Officer (Adventurous Training)…..And his dog, who actually climbs better than the District Officer.

In conclusion, the entire week was a huge success, and it achieved all its aims. All of the cadets and the staff enjoyed the week immensely.

The experiences they have shared are far beyond those they would gain through normal cadet life. To watch them grow into a group of confident mature climbers over the week was a privilege.

All of the Staff and cadets are most grateful to the Ulysses Trust for supporting the activity, and in particular assisting with the funding for the coasteering activities.