Four-day camp on Isle of Wight for Brock Combined Cadet Force

Brockenhurst College’s Combined Cadet Force undertook four days of exercises at Jersey Camp on the Isle of Wight recently.

The group of 36 participated in archery, shooting, Laser Quest and orienteering, plus command tasks and competitions to aid leadership and teamwork development.

They also benefitted from contact with regular and reservist cadet instructors.

These included Staff Sargeant Steve Coffin and Private Jack Turner from the Royal Artillery at Millbrook, Southampton, and Nicky Parker from the Royal Signals, Bulford.

School Staff Instructor Chloe Ford and Sargeant Instructor Jamie Harris from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Cadet Force were drafted in as well.

Danielle Woodrow, who is aiming to join the police after studying at university, said: “I found this experience useful as it enabled me to put my leadership skills to use and to be a good mentor.

“Everyone enjoyed the activities as we were encouraged to compete against each other, which was a good learning experience while also being fun.”

Meanwhile, Aldona Piworowicz, who has ambitions to become a criminal investigator, said: “I had the chance to lead a whole section, which was challenging, but the best part was when we all worked together during the competition day.”

Head of Curriculum, Captain Mark Thomsett, said: “It was so good to get back to hands-on, residential activity following many months of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Living together in a close environment for four days has enabled the cadets to develop their self-reliance, confidence, interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills – something that simply cannot be replicated online.

“My most sincere thanks go to the regular and reservist cadet instructors whose presence made this camp absolutely outstanding in terms of the mentorship opportunities it provided.”