Recently Cadets from 2028 Southam Squadron went on their ‘practice’ and ‘actual’ D of E Expeditions, the first being at the Mendips during the weekend 14 th to the 16th July and the latter in the Matlock area of Derby Dales during the weekend 11 th to 13 th August 2006. What a contrast in weather they had to endure, the Mendips being extremely hot, that being a challenge in itself. Derby Dales turned out to be rather more ‘British’ with a combination of cloud each day and rain on the Sunday but at least the temperatures were more bearable.

Setting out early on the Saturday at the Mendips all agreed was a good idea to beat the sun but everyone soon realised that a D of E Expedition was not just a ‘walk’ in nice countryside but involved using a map and compass and dealing with fields, woods and hills. There a few occasions where some of the Cadets became disorientated but magically an Instructor would appear and provide subtle ‘clues’ about which way to go next. The groups eventually found all the check-points and returned to the Camp-site safely, finding it quite easy to fall asleep for the night. The Sunday dawned early again and after breaking Camp the Cadets, some aching from the Saturday’s efforts, set off again wondering what further challenges lay before them, apart from the heat and ‘using a map.’ All finally reached the last check point at 2.30pm and collapsed in the Mini-Bus for the journey home. Everyone agreed that the Expedition was a great success, they all learnt a lot about team-work, setting up tents, dealing with high temperatures and helping those who found it more difficult than others all agreeing they were looking forward to the next ‘actual’ expedition but hoping it would be a little cooler!

So with great anticipation we travelled to Derby Dales, the Silver group early on the Friday morning, followed by the Bronze teams later in the afternoon. The cadets in the Silver team achieved the distance in good time with no major navigational problems and arrived at the Friday night’s camp site with plenty of time to relax. Joined by the other cadets they set about erecting the tents and settled down for the night.

Saturday dawned early with everyone eager to get started and after breaking camp and eating a hearty breakfast the groups set off once more. The day was fine and not too hot and everyone made good time, with the occasional navigational hic-up, reaching the Saturday night's camp site which turned out to be on a slope! After pitching tents and having a meal they all settled down to stories from the staff. Sunday arrived early and with rain so the cadets had an extra incentive to complete the final legs without any mistakes. The whole weekend was a success with everyone keeping in good spirits and allowing everyone the first opportunity to use the new Squadron tents which all agreed were surprisingly easy to erect.

The result of both weekends was an achievement for all by both qualifying for their Silver and Bronze Expedition but also learning a lot about team spirit and helping others through sometimes physically demanding and mentally difficult situations. The spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Air Training Corps combined to produce an excellent result.