Half-term has been a busy week for the National Sea Cadet training centre at HMS Raleigh with around 90 young people visiting for training.
The Cadets, from all over the country have undertaken a range of courses using the extensive facilities at the Royal Navy training base in Torpoint.
Training ranged from an initial naval acquaint for individual members of Sea Cadet Corps to whole unit camps and Royal Yacht Association accredited powerboat courses for Sea Cadets and members of the Combined Cadet Force.
The Sea Cadet band also spent the week at HMS Raleigh rehearsing and picking up tips from the professional musicians who make up the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth.
The naval acquaint course is primarily aimed at 12 – 14 years old and for many it is their first experience of being away from home. The course includes an opportunity to tackle the assault course, learn how to deal with fire and floods at sea as well as sea survival skills, orienteering and first aid training.
One of those taking part in the course was 13-year-old Matthew, from Welwyn, who has been a cadet for two years.
He said: “I think it’s really good to be here because I like the military environment. I’ve enjoyed the assault course because I quite like doing anything that’s physically challenging.
"Me and another Cadet were the first to get to the wall so it was slightly harder for us because we had to help everyone else over a wall. I eventually want to transfer to the Marine Cadets and then join the Royal Marines.”
The National Sea Cadet centre provides training opportunities for 5,000 Cadets and adults each year and hosts a range of swimming and drill competitions.
The Officer-in-Charge of Youth Training at HMS Raleigh, Lieutenant Commander Emma Link (Sea Cadet Corps), said: “Half-terms tend to be among our busiest weeks. A lot of the younger ones especially grow in confidence after being here for a week.
“They make friends and we do see a change in them, some more subtle than others. It’s also a chance for young people who don’t necessarily achieve academically to excel at something.”
