Caithness cadets out in force as summer camp goes ahead

Seventeen army cadets from Caithness have returned from summer camp, with one gaining a promotion during their time away.

The cadets from 1st Battalion The Highlander’s Caithness Company were among 160 who attended the summer camp from across the Highlands and Islands.

The camp was moved at the last minute from Warcop in Cumbria to the Battalion’s Training Centre in Dingwall, with the camp split into two one-week camps due to space limitations.

The battalion said that, due to Covid-19 and the related regional travel restrictions throughout the pandemic, cadet organisations had been unable to hold summer camps since 2019. Staff involved in planning overcame various obstacles to ensure that the cadets from the Highlands, Moray, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland were able to have a camp this summer.

The cadets were able to take part in a number of challenging activities that included camping out overnight, taking part in a fieldcraft exercise, learning navigation, first aid and drill. All cadets also took part in a two-day adventure training package which included rock climbing and mountain biking.

This allowed many of the cadets to complete their training level and progress onto the next stage in the training syllabus. A number of new adults also completed their induction training, learning how to teach the cadets the wide range of activities covered.

The Caithness Company cadets were at camp for the second week. Cadet Texas Envain (17), from Wick Detachment, was promoted during the second week of camp to Lance Corporal.

Commandant, Col Mike MacDonald, said: “We had a large number of challenges to overcome with the change in venue, at very short notice, but the dedication of the staff ensured that the cadets were able to learn new skills and experience some challenging activities for the first time.

"Camp has been a huge success and we hope that the experience will encourage others to join up."

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