Even the picturesque Wicklow Mountains can seem cold and bleak when you are tramping an 80-kilometres route… as Christopher Brown (17) and Joseph Armstrong (18) from Ballygowan Detachment Army Cadet Force know all too well!
The teenage Cadets have just successfully completed a gruelling expedition as part of their preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. The four-day challenge tested their physical fitness as well as their fieldcraft, navigation skills and, occasionally, their sense of humour.
The Cadets were weighed down by heavy rucksacks packed with camping equipment and supplies as they trudged through rain, wind and even hot sun… all in the one day! It is Ireland. Expeditions in the great outdoors are just one element of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Those who go for gold must also undertake a substantial period of voluntary work within the community and successfully complete a demanding physical fitness programme and a week-long residential course.
Colonel Keith Dowell, Commandant of 2nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force, said: “It’s by no means for the feint-hearted, but the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme offers some amazing opportunities to young people and it’s something which we encourage our Cadets to undertake.
“Added to the countless accomplishments they will attain through Cadet membership, DoE awards are fantastic self-confidence builders and earning a bronze, silver or, ultimately, a gold award is also significant evidence of commitment and success.
“We understand that, as they compile their personal statements to enter third level education or take their first steps into the world of work, young people need to be able to demonstrate tangible achievements. We therefore work hard to provide our Cadets with the experiences, achievements and confidence that will help them to stand out from the crowd.”
Delighted to have completed the expedition element of his DoE quest for gold, Joseph Armstrong said: “There were times when it was hard going, but there was a group of us so there was plenty of craic! When we eventually made it to the end, we felt a real sense of achievement … even though we could hardly wait to get back home for a shower and a sleep!
“We do some amazing things in the Cadets and it’s been great to be able to work our way through the DoE Awards, particularly as it costs so little to do within the ACF. I love being challenged – physically and mentally – and that’s what the Army Cadet Force is all about!”
Christopher Brown agreed saying: “Outdoor and adventure and sport are my favourite things about the Cadets. I think joining the ACF is one of the best things I have ever done.
“It’s a great way to get fit, make new friends and try the sort of adventure experiences that most people only dream about tackling. To anyone who has ever thought about joining I’d say it’s time to stop thinking and join right away! “
Ballygowan Detachment Army Cadet Force is about to roll out the red carpet for potential new recruits, with an Open Day from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday 28th September at 35 Manse Road, Carryduff. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to come along to get a taste of Cadet life.
To find out more about Army Cadet Force Detachments across County Down, check out:
or telephone 028 90 815223.
