Air Cadets from 121 ( Nuneaton ) Squadron launched themselves into the first stage of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme when they took part in two immensely successful and enjoyable overnight Expeditions.

During the school holidays, fourteen teenagers from the Nuneaton based air cadets successfully completed both the Bronze Award level practise and qualifying expeditions.

Both the practise and qualifying expeditions took place in the rural countryside of the Warwickshire and Leicestershire border, where the cadets spent a total of four days learning how to survive outdoors in tents by cooking their own food and refining their navigation skills and teamwork.

The expedition is the first of four different sections of the Duke of Edinburgh Award that the cadets will have to complete before they qualify for the Bronze level award, the other three elements being:-

•  Volunteering – Participating in projects which help the local community.

•  Skill – Learning a new skill.

•  Physical Recreation – Improving their fitness through Physical Training

The 4 sections are covered as part of the training curriculum of the Air Cadets, which is the largest operating authority of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Each level of the Award Bronze, Silver and finally Gold, takes around 12 months to complete and is recognised by many organisations and prospective employers as an indicator of spirit, drive and determination in an individual.

Officer Commanding 121 ( Nuneaton ) Squadron Flt Lt Ian Crewe said "The cadets have worked extremely hard to get through their Bronze expeditions.  I am really proud of all of them and would also like to thank all the staff that got them there. The whole team, staff and cadets, enjoyed both expeditions and we are now looking forward to seeing the cadets complete their Volunteering, Skills and Physical sections of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

Article Submitted by:-
Flt Lt Paul Hincks - 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron
02 Sep 11