When the cadets of 497 (Daventry) asked if they could go to the beach and the zoo during the year, they probably weren't actually expecting to go, but the staff decided to take them at their word. In no time at all Flying Officer David Pink had booked accommodation at DFTDC Manston in Kent, the home of MOD Fire Training. It was decided to combine a weekends camp, with the Folkestone Spitfire March, which some of the Squadron had previously participated in, along with the trips to the zoo and the beach.

When the camp was originally booked, the cadets were promised luxury accommodation and flat screen TV's and remotes for each cadet, which they clearly didn't believe. However to their surprise, they got exactly that.

Once the cadets were initially settled in their accommodation, the weekend started with a brief from the ACLO who is also the CO of (2433) Ramsgate Squadron. After that the cadets joined the Squadron and joined in with their raft building practice, along the way learning why the squadron's nickname is the Ghost Squadron, causing a bit of a sleepless night for some cadets.

The next day was the trip to the zoo, or the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. Particularly enjoyable was the safari ride round the park, with a chance to see elephant, giraffe, rhinos, ostriches etc all roaming the fields of the park.

On returning to Manston, the group had the exciting experience of watching the Red Arrows come in and land at the airport over the road. The staff claimed that they had organised the fly-past, but not all the cadets were so sure.

The evening was then spent on the beach, with some brave cadets actually going into the water. The Squadron also met up with 198 ( Hinckley ) Squadron who were staying at St Martins Plain for the Spitfire March and enjoyed a game of rounders.

Sunday was the Folkestone Spitfire March and all the group completed the shortest route in extremely good time and are now looking forward to attempting the longer distances next year. There was also time to fit in a visit to the Spitfire Memorial, as most of the group had never been.

	In the evening the cadets, despite some aching feet, had a chance to walk round and look at the base, which is where all MOD fire training is done, along with training for other groups. A large area of the base is off limit to visitors, due to the amount of fuel and foam residue. On Monday morning, before the trip home, the group visited the Manston History Museum opposite Manston and were lucky enough to choose a special event day, which meant that all the aircraft were opened up and cadets could sit inside.