Heading for the Wilderness

Cambridgeshire Cadets head for Canada

Two young army cadet Corporals from Cambridgeshire will have their fitness and personal skills stretched to the limit on all action training courses in the wide open spaces of Canada this summer.

Selected from hundreds of young hopefuls from around the UK, Abbie Bowen (15) from Wilburton, and Niall Folbigg (16) from Caldecote near Cambridge are amongst a group of cadets from the UK who will train and live with Canadian cadets on two courses aimed at teaching leadership skills, self reliance and team work.

Abbie is one of 12 UK cadets on the ‘Whitehorse' cadet adventure training course being held at the Canadian army cadet summer centre in Yukon Territory between 3^rd July and 20^th August. The course is designed to encourage young people to use self motivation and personal initiative whilst solving problems encountered during strenuous outdoor activities. Reaching sound decisions and taking responsibility for their own actions will be the key to success. Activities will include canoeing, first aid, orienteering and building shelters against the elements. As a special treat the return journey home will include a two day cultural visit to Ottawa.

With three years service as a cadet in Ely, Abbie is a key member of the Cambridgeshire cadet first aid team who are currently the national youth champions. She is a student at Witchford Village College and this year starts science and PE studies at Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge. Her ambition is to qualify as a Doctor and then become an officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps. She will celebrate her 16^th birthday in Canada and talking of the trip she said, "I'm really excited". "I hope to make new friends, gain life experience and have the adventure of a lifetime"

Niall has been a cadet for almost three years at Sawston and is a keen target shooter. He is attending the ‘Connaught' cadet leadership instructor marksman course near Ottawa between 14^th July and 25^th August and is one of 14 hopefuls from the UK receiving high level instruction to develop skills in shooting and coaching. At the conclusion of his training in Canada he will take part with fellow Canadian, French and German cadets in the Canadian national shooting competition. "I never believed that I would be considered for such a prestigious course", he said. "I am determined to prove I am up to the challenge and enjoy this fantastic opportunity to the full"

Niall has just left Sawston Village College to take up a place at Long Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge studying maths, physics, photography and design & technology. After university he hopes to achieve a commission as an army officer with the Royal Engineers.