Army Cadet Force Nottinghamshire

AT Courses 2009/2010

References: A. LAND/RF1/7/6/1

B. AT Web Site - www.armycadetadventure.info

1. General.

The programme of courses for 2009-10 at the three Cadet Centres for Adventurous Training (CCAT) are given in References A and B. The purpose of this letter is to remind all units of these courses, and invite bids for the courses listed. Annex A gives a summary of the courses, dates and venue and bid by dates.

2. Cadet Proficiency Courses.

These courses will be run during the school holidays at Cwrt-y-Gollen, Halton and Dingwall. They are open to Cadets of 16 years or over who wish to spend a week gaining a proficiency award. All those attending should be volunteers with a genuine interest in AT. Most courses are based on the Proficiency and Foundation courses run by the Joint Services Mountain Training Centre, and registered with them. Applicants should choose one of the following options:

- Summer Mountain Proficiency (SMP)
- Basic Rock Climbing (BRC) (Not JSMTC course) or Rock Climbing Proficiency for those with ability, and depending on Instructor availability
- Kayak Foundation Course (KFC)
- Open Canoe Foundation Course (OFC)
- Basic Caving (BCC) (not JSMTC) or Cave Proficiency (CVP) for those with ability
- Inland Kayak Progression (IKP) including BCU 3*
- Open Canoe Progression (OCP) including BCU 3*

3. Adult Proficiency Courses.

These courses are aimed at Adults who are interested in pursuing an AT qualification, but lack experience in the chosen activity. The Proficiencies are as for the Cadet courses and are registered with JSMTC, but are run over either three weekends to assist those who find it difficult to get a week off, or a weeks course. Attendance on all three weekends is required.

4. Duke of Edinburgh's Award & BTEC.

Those enrolled at Gold level in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award may count any of these courses as a Residential Project. Those undertaking SMP may use this as a Practice journey for a Silver or Gold expedition on foot. Those wishing to take up these options should indicate on the application form. Some of the courses will also offer the opportunity to participate in a Gold Qualifying Expedition. The activities will also contribute towards units of the BTEC in Public Services.

5. National Governing Body (NGB) Courses.

A full range of courses for those wishing to gain NGB qualifications to lead Cadets on AT activities has been planned for the coming season. Dates and details of these courses are given at Annex A, and on the AT Web Site.

All adults who pass CCAT NGB assessments at the level of ML, Level 2 coach, SPA or higher will be encouraged to spend a week teaching at one of the CCATs within three years of their qualification. PTDs and reasonable travel expenses will be paid through CCATfor those adults who instruct at CCAT

6. Viability.

It should be noted that all courses are dependent on enough takers to make it viable. If any course does not reach the minimum take up, candidates will be offered an alternative activity or date.

7. Cost of CCAT Courses.

A small charge of £30 will be made for Cadet & Adult Proficiency Courses.This represents a contribution to expedition rations, and to the upkeep of the AT equipment held at the CCATs. All students will receive a CCAT T-shirt. This charge is to be paid on application for the course, which is non-refundable 8 weeks before the start of the course.

8. Cost of NGB Courses.

The charge for NGB Courses, to be paid with application, is to offset the cost of the provider and the charges will be, Walking Group Leader £35, Single Pitch Award £30, Climbing Wall Award Training £35, Climbing Wall Award Assessment £30, Mountain Leader £40, and BCU Coaching £35. A full list of prices will be available on the website and on Westminster. Courses overseas will require a larger personal contribution, which will be advised for each course.

9. Log Book and Instructional Experience.

The opportunity is offered on all CCAT Proficiency courses for those Adults who are working towards AT qualification to attend for all or part of the course to gain experience by assisting a qualified instructor working with students. This will provide good log book entries and the qualified instructor should be able to provide advice on areas needing further work.

10. Applications.

Applications to attend any of the listed courses should be made on the form attached to this letter to arrive with Captain Jon Lang by the bid by date. All parts of the form should be completed as missing information causes some inconvenience. A cheque, made payable to "CCAT", for the course fee should accompany the application form.

An acknowledgement and confirmation will be sent to Unit HQs and candidates up to 3 weeks from receipt. Joining Instructions will be sent out around 4 weeks before the start of the course. There is a proforma to be returned confirming attendance and containing arrival time, NOK details and a medical declaration.

11. Directing Staff for Courses.

Directing Staff are drawn from suitably qualified ACF and CCF (Army) adults. The AT web site shows the current vacancies for staff. Please ensure that AT qualified staff in your Unit are aware of the vacancies. Those who are able to attend should contact the Captain Jon Lang without delay.

12. Courses at Civilian Centres.

There is a limited budget for providing funding for certain courses not provided by CCAT which may be available at a commercial Centre. This is subject to the following limitations.

a.      Funding is not available for First Aid courses
b.      Funding is not available for refresher or proficiency training
c.      Funding will not normally be available for courses run at CCAT
d.      Any course funded MUST lead directly to an AT qualification
e.      There will be a personal contribution of up to 20% of the full course cost.

Those wishing to take advantage of this funding must complete and submit the same application from as for CCAT courses, showing the Centre to be used and the cost of the course. If funding is approved the candidate will be asked to book and pay for the course, sending the receipted invoice to the AT Advisor. The agreed amount will be refunded.

13. Courses at Joint Service Mountain Training Centres.

Qualifying courses in all the Joint Service Adventurous Training Scheme activities may be attended by ACF and CCF Adults. These qualifications are recognised by the ACF and CCF. Details can be found in the publication JSP419, which should be available at unit HQs, and is also available via the AT Web Site by visiting the Publications menu option.

14. Passage of Information.

It has been reported in the past that many of those eligible to attend do not know of these opportunities. Please do all you can to ensure that all those who may be interested in participating in these activities get the opportunity to attend. Vacancies are offered to ATC and SCC personnel on a "fill-up" basis.

15. Cancellations.

There have been a high number of late cancellations by students - particularly Adults, often due to being "unable to get time off work". All intending candidates should ensure that any time off work required is agreed BEFORE applying for the course. Late cancellations are wasteful of resources, cause extra work and may deny another of the opportunity to attend. The course fee will also be forfeited.

J A Lang

Captain

CCAT Training & Safety Officer, Cadets Branch, HQ Land

ANNEX A: DETAILS OF AT COURSES 2009 -10

1. Summer Mountaineering/Hill Walking Courses.

Summer Mountain Proficiency (SMP). This is a five-day introduction to mountaineering in summer conditions. The content includes navigation skills, clothing and equipment, access and conservation, mountain hazards, weather, campcraft, and includes a three day mountain expedition, with 2 nights camping. For Adults it can be used as a prerequisite to the Joint Service Mountain Leader Training (MLT) course. The Adult course may be run over three weekends. There are 12 vacancies on each course

DATES	VENUE	CODE	BID BY	DATES	VENUE	CODE	BID BY
5-10 Apr	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C1	16 Feb	9-15 Aug	Dingwall	D2	22 Jun
5-10 Apr	Halton	H1	16 Feb	18-23 Oct	Halton	H4	31 Aug
12-17 Apr	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C2	23 Feb	25-30 Oct	Halton	H5	07 Sept
26-31 Jul	Halton	H3	06 Jun	25-30 Oct	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C4	07Sept
02-07 Aug	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C3	15 Jun
Adult Courses
17-19 Apr 8-9 May 15-17 May	Cwrt-y-Gollen	CPROF1	02 Mar	5-7 Jun 19-21 Jun 3-5 Jul	Cwrt-y-Gollen	CPROF2	27 Apr
31 May - 5 Jun	Halton	H2	13 Apr	18-20 Sep 2-4 Oct 16-18 Oct	Halton	HPROF	3 Aug

Walking Group Leader Award - Training and Assessment Courses. The Training course is open to serving members over 18 yrs with a minimum of 20 days of hill walking experience and registered with the MLTE. The Assessment course is open to those who have attended a training course and have achieved the required amount of logbook experience. Both courses last three full days. Successful attendance on an assessment course will qualify the holder to lead parties in high moorland country. Places will be limited and allocated on a first come - first served basis.

DATES	VENUE	COURSE	CODE	BID BY
25-27 Apr	Cwrt-y-Gollen	Training	WGLT1	9 Mar
9-11 May	Halton	Training	WGLT2	23 Mar
19-21 Sep	Halton	Training	WGLT3	3 Aug
16-18 May	Cwrt-y-Gollen	Assessment	WGLA1	30 Mar
24-26 Oct	Halton	Assessment	WGLA2	7 Sep

Summer ML - Training and Assessment. The 6 day training course is open to those over 18 who have completed a minimum of 20 quality mountain days, and registered with the MLTE or home nation body. The 5 day assessment course is open to those who have attended the training course and have gained more experience after the training course. Places will be limited.

DATES	VENUE	COURSE	CODE	BID BY
2-8 May	Halton	Training	MLT1	16 Mar
4-9 Oct	Halton	Training	MLT2	24 Aug
7-12 Jun	Halton	Assessment	MLA1	20 Apr
18-23 Oct	Halton	Assessment	MLA2	31 Aug

2. Rock Climbing

Basic Rock Climbing (BRC). This is a five-day introduction to climbing. The content includes care and use of equipment, coiling ropes and knot tying, belaying techniques, climbing techniques, single pitch climbing, abseiling, setting up belays, protection, introduction to leading, climbing walls. This course has been specifically designed for cadets, who may not be able to cope with the multi-pitch element of the RCP. After further climbing experience and on reaching the age of 18 candidates may attend Single Pitch Award (SPA) training. There will 10 places on each course.

DATES	VENUE	CODE	BID BY	DATES	VENUE	CODE	BID BY
5-10 Apr	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C1	16 Feb	9-15 Aug	Dingwall	D2	22 Jun
5-10 Apr	Halton	H1	16 Feb	18-23 Oct	Halton	H4	31 Aug
12-17 Apr	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C2	23 Feb	25-30 Oct	Halton	H5	07 Sept
26-31 Jul	Halton	H3	06 Jun	25-30 Oct	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C4	07Sept
02-07 Aug	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C3	15 Jun

Rock Climbing Proficiency (RCP). This is a five-day introduction to climbing on single and multi-pitch crags. The content includes care and use of equipment, coiling ropes and knot tying, belaying techniques, climbing techniques, single and multi-pitch climbing, abseiling, setting up belays, protection, climbing walls. This is a prerequisite to the Joint Service Rock Leader Training Course (RLT). There will be 6 vacancies on each course.

17-19 Apr

8-9 May

15-17 May

Cwrt-y-Gollen

CPROF1

02 Mar

5-7 Jun

19-21 Jun

3-5 Jul

Cwrt-y-Gollen

CPROF2

27 Apr

31 May -

5 Jun

Halton

13 Apr

18-20 Sep

2-4 Oct

16-18 Oct

Halton

HPROF

3 Aug

Single Pitch Award - Training and Assessment Courses. The 2 day training course is open to serving members over 18 yrs, who have been climbing for at least 12 months and have completed 15 graded climbs as lead and is registered with the MLTE or home nation board. The Assessment course is open to those who have completed SPA training and have the necessary logbook experience. Successful attendance on the assessment course will qualify the holder to conduct climbing on single pitch crags. There will be 6 places on each course.

DATES	VENUE	COURSE	CODE	BID BY
18-19 Apr	Halton	Training	SPAT1	17 Mar
16-17 May	Halton	Training	SPAT2	30 Mar
10-11 Oct	Cwrt-y-Gollen	Training	SPAT3	24 Aug
13-14 Jun	Halton	Assessment	SPAA1	27 Apr
26-27 Sep	Cwrt-y-Gollen	Assessment	SPAA2	10 Aug

Climbing Wall Award - Training and Assessment Courses. The 3 day training course is open to serving members over 17 yrs, who have been climbing for at least 6 months indoors, have successfully completed lead climbs, visited 3 different climbing walls for at least 15 sessions and is registered with the MLTE or home nation board. The 2-day assessment course is open to those who have completed CW Training, have the necessary logbook experience and be over 18 yrs. Successful attendance on the assessment course will qualify the holder to conduct climbing or abseiling in climbing walls or on towers and mobile towers. There will be 6 places on each course.

DATES	VENUE	COURSE	CODE	BID BY
2-4 May	Cwrt-y-Gollen	Training	CWT1	16 Mar
10-12 Oct	Halton	Training	CWT2	24 Aug
24-25 Oct	Cwrt-y-Gollen	Assessment	CWA1	7 Sep

3. Kayaking & Open Canoeing

Kayak Foundation Course (KFC) and Open Canoe Foundation Course (OFC). These are five day courses covering the requirements of the BCU 1-star and 2-star awards, and the Foundation Rescue & Safety Test. Details of the content of these Awards can be found on the BCU web site. On successful completion of each course a BCU 1* pass slip will be issued and a JSMTC certificate will follow in due course. Both OFC and KFC have to be completed successfully to gain the BCU/UKCC 2* and FSRT pass slips. These courses serve as a prerequisite to the Level 1 Coach Award. Adult Courses may be run over three weekends. There will be 8 vacancies on the KFC and 6 on the OFC.

DATES	VENUE	CODE	BID BY	DATES	VENUE	CODE	BID BY
5-10 Apr	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C1	16 Feb	9-15 Aug	Dingwall	D2	22 Jun
5-10 Apr	Halton	H1	16 Feb	18-23 Oct	Halton	H4*	31 Aug
12-17 Apr	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C2	23 Feb	25-30 Oct	Halton	H5	07 Sept
26-31 Jul	Halton	H3*	06 Jun	25-30 Oct	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C4	07Sept
02-07 Aug	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C3*	15 Jun
Adult Courses
17-19 Apr 8-9 May 15-17 May	Cwrt-y-Gollen	CPROF1	02 Mar	5-7 Jun 19-21 Jun 3-5 Jul	Cwrt-y-Gollen	CPROF2	27 Apr
31 May - 5 Jun	Halton	H2	13 Apr	18-20 Sep 2-4 Oct 16-18 Oct	Halton	HPROF	3 Aug

* Courses will be KFC only, there will be no OFC these weeks

Inland Kayak Progression (IKP) and Open Canoe Progression (OCP). These are five day courses to teach more advanced paddle skills for kayak or open canoe to the standard of BCU 3-star and further if aptitude allows. Those applying must have attended both KFC & OFC courses or gained the new BCU/UKCC 2*. The relevant BCU certificate will be awarded to successful candidates. The new BCU/UKCC 3* award is required for Level 2 Coach Assessment.

A week long IKP/OCP, BCU/UKCC 3* course will be held in the Ardeche region of Southern France. This will be open to both adults and cadets. The cost will be £180.

DATES	VENUE	CODE	BID BY	Course
12-17 Apr	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C2	23 Feb	IKP only
26-31 Jul	Halton	H3	8 Jun	IKP/OCP
2-7 Aug	Cwrt-y-Gollen	C3	15 Jun	OCP only
22-29 Aug	Ardeche	3SARD	06 Jul	IKP/OCP
25-30 Oct	Halton	H5	7 Sept	IKP/OCP
Ault Courses
5-7 Jun 19-21 Jun 3-5 Jul	Cwrt-y-Gollen	CPROF2	27 Apr	IKP/OCP

BCU 4-Star Courses. This discipline specific test is designed to indicate that the candidate has the skill level to safely paddle and lead other competent paddlers on sections of moderate water. A four Star paddler will have the all round paddling ability, safety, rescue and basic leadership required to undertake trips on sheltered - moderate water with a group of paddlers able themselves to be able to operate in a self-sufficient manner.

The pre-requisites for this course are a minimum of BCU 3* and White Water Safety and Rescue Training Course. Further information may be seen on the BCU website. The course will be run over 2 weekends, training and assessment.

DATES

VENUE

CODE

BID BY

30 Oct-1 Nov

13-15 Nov

Halton

13 Sep

BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coaching Courses. Successful attendance will allow the holder to supervise up to eight novices under the supervision of a Level 2 coach on very sheltered water. Eligibility is the new BCU/UKCC 2-star or the old 2* in both kayak and canoe, a valid Foundation Rescue & Safety Test and are registered with the BCU. This course now takes 2 weekends to complete. It should be noted that this award is for both kayak and canoe. A minimum of 8 candidates are required for this course.

DATES

VENUE

CODE

BID BY

2-3 May

16-17 May

Cwrt-y-Gollen

L11

16 Mar

26-27 Sep

10-11 Oct

Halton

L12

3 Aug

BCU/UKCC Level 2 Training and Assessment Courses. The level 2 coach may supervise up to 8 novices on sheltered water in either canoe or kayak. Eligibility for training is a BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach qualification, a valid Foundation Rescue & Safety Test, a BCU 3 star and has registered with the BCU. The Training course is 4 days. The candidate will be expected to gain more experience helping with coaching before attending the assessment.

A minimum of 8 students are required for both training and assessment

DATES	VENUE	CODE	COURSE	BID BY
09-10 May 16-17 May	Halton	L2T1	Training	23 Mar
26-27 Sep 10-11 Sep	Cwrt-Y-Gollen	L2T2	Training	18 Aug
19-20 Sep	Cwrt-Y-Gollen	L2A	Assessment	3 Aug

Caving

Basic Caving Course. This is a five day introduction to caving. The content includes safety, preservation, clothing, footwear, helmets and lighting sets, surveys and guide books, cave navigation, rigging and lifelines, and the geology of caves. The practical element will include exploration of a variety of caves in the Yorkshire Dales, and a visit to a show cave. Those who show aptitude will have the opportunity to reach the standard of the Joint Service Cave Proficiency Course (CVP). For Adults, this is a pre-requisite for the JS Local Cave Leader. There will be 10 vacancies on each Course.

DATES	VENUE	CODE	BID BY
5-10 Apr	Halton	H1	16 Feb
26-31 Jul	Halton	H3	8 Jun
18-23 Oct	Halton	H4	31 Aug
25-30 Oct	Halton	H5	7 Sept
Adult Courses
31 May- 5 Jun	Halton	H2	13 Apr
18-20 Sep 2-4 Oct 16-18 Oct	Halton	HPROF	3 Aug

4. Winter Mountaineering

Introductory Course for those with summer walking experience but no winter experience. The course will cover use of crampons and ice axes, awareness of winter mountain hazards, walking techniques, snow holing and environmental issues. Winter walking is very physically demanding and those applying must have a high level of fitness.

Winter Mountain Proficiency (WMP) for those with some experience of winter conditions. The content will be similar to above but taken to a higher level, and will include one or more nights out. Those on Introductory who display the necessary aptitude may be granted the WMP. Winter walking is very physically demanding and those applying must have a high level of fitness.

Log Book Experience. Those who have completed WMP or Winter ML Training may attend to gain Winter Mountain days under the guidance of an experienced winter instructor.

These 2 courses are £60, to be paid with application.

DATES	VENUE	CODE	BID BY
13-20 Feb 10	Inverness Training Camp	DWS1	31 Dec 09
20-27 Feb 10	Inverness Training Camp	DWS2	31 Dec 09

Winter Mountain Leader Training. (WMLT) This is a 6-day course covering evaluation of snow conditions, arresting a slide, belaying on snow and ice, snow shelters and navigation in extreme conditions. Pre-requisites are to hold ML Summer, have recent experience of hill-walking and mountaineering in winter conditions in 3 mountain areas, have a minimum of 20 winter quality mountain days and be well practised in the use of ice axe and crampons. WMP an advantage.

DATE	VENUE	CODE	BID BY
6-12 Mar 10	Dundonnell AT Hut	WMLT	31 Jan 10

5. Skiing

Alpine Skiing. These are weeklong courses are based in Bavaria and are on offer to novices through to advanced-intermediate skiers or snowboarders. The cadet's course will be transported by coach from the UK and spend 5 days on snow. Participants on the adult course will be required to get to Friedrichshafen Airport or the hotel in Bavaria, the course will spend 6 days on snow. The Snowlife Awards will be assessed. The cost for both these courses is £370. A £100 non-refundable deposit is required with application for these courses

DATES

VENUE

STUDENTS

CODE

BID BY

20-27 Feb 10

Bavaria

Priority to Cadets

SKICADET

21 Dec 09

30 Jan-

5 Feb 10

Bavaria

Adults only

SKICCAT

21 Dec 09

Alpine Ski Leader (ASL). A course sponsored by Snowsport Scotland designed to qualify candidates to teach young people the basics of skiing, on piste in a resort area. It is valid world wide. It does not permit the holder to award Joint Service Proficiencies (BSP, ASP), but they may award Snowsport Scotland proficiency awards. The ASL costs £390 and a £100 deposit is required with application.

DATES	VENUE	STUDENTS	CODE	BID BY
7-14 Feb 10	Bavaria	Adults only	ASL	21 Dec 09

Revalidation/Technical Deferral. This long weekend is available for those people who require either a technical resit for their ASL or need to attend their 3 yearly revalidation of the ASL. It would also be an opportunity for those attending the ASL to regain their ski legs before the course. The cost is £150. Students will need to get to the hotel in Bavaria

DATES	VENUE	STUDENTS	CODE	BID BY
5-8 Feb 10	Bavaria	Adults only	RV	21 Dec 09

6. Duke of Edinburgh's Award Gold Expeditions

There is an opportunity for Gold Award candidates who are not attached to a group to come together in a CCF/ACF Open Gold expedition. These will be held at the CCATs and in Bavaria. Candidates must have completed all the preliminary training and practice expedition, and have the completion of training certificate signed in their Record Book.

DATE	VENUE	CODE	BID BY
12-17 Apr	Brecon Beacons	C2D	23 Feb
9-15 Aug	Lochaber	D2D	22 Jun
25-30 Oct	Yorkshire Dales	H5D	7 Sep
29 Aug - 5 Sep	Bavaria	BAV	15 May

7. Expeditions Week

This week is an opportunity for Cadets or Adults who have previously completed a foundation or proficiency course at CCAT to partake in a 4 day expedition in the same mode of transport as their original course. Students will arrive Sunday, Briefings and kit issue on Monday. The expedition will take place Tuesday - Friday and return home Saturday.

Expeditions on offer are by foot (Wester-Ross area), Kayak or Open Canoe.