Down Cadets Roll Out Winter Boredom Busters

DARK nights and falling temperatures should not be an excuse for becoming couch potatoes this winter, according to teenagers from Downpatrick.

Local cadets have launched a recruitment drive designed to attract new membership to Cadet units right across County Down.  Units will be extending a welcome to young people aged between twelve and eighteen, encouraging them to come along to their local Cadet unit for a ‘show and tell’ session that could be the start of a whole new interest.

Cadet RSM Beth Gill inspects the 2 Star cadets on drill.

Colonel Maurice Warnock, Commandant 2 (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force said, “We have some great units here in this corner of County Down with some hugely enthusiastic and high achieving Cadets, but we’re always keen to attract still more members and experience tells us that winter is a great time to be encouraging people to think about tackling something new.

 “Just as things begin to seem dull and there are fewer opportunities for young people to get out and about with their friends, we’re offering a great opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy a mix of socialising and adventure training.”

The Army Cadet Force is one of the longest established, largest and most successful youth organisations in the country.  While it has certainly changed with the times that mix of challenge and friendship continues to attract. However these days Cadet membership offers wider scope than ever before and, according to Colonel Warnock, parents and teachers are often the most enthusiastic recruiters!

He added, “Adults are quick to see the advantages of an organisation which exists to bring out the best in their teenagers and which offers an exciting, constructive and active alternative to sitting in front of the television every night or spending isolated hours at a computer screen.

“We all want our children to make lasting, supportive friendships and to explore new interests and take on new skills. The Cadet movement allows teenagers to do all that – and more – within a safe and welcoming environment.

“These days both parents and children are also interested in the sort of skills which will add to a CV, helping to secure a place in college or that all-important new job opportunity.  The Cadets boosts self-confidence and gives a young interviewee something to talk about, showcasing team and leadership skills, self discipline and motivation.

“Cadets also take on board practical skills in a range of subjects and many widely recognised accolades such as Duke of Edinburgh Awards and BTEC qualifications.”

17-year-old Beth Gill from Downpatrick who has been a Cadet for five years achieving the rank of Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major has a daunting list of achievements to her name, including Duke of Edinburgh Awards, BTEC in Public Services and successful completion of the Senior Cadet Instruction and Cadet Leadership courses which tested everything from stamina and physical strength to leadership skills.

Beth who has just been selected to go to South Africa in 2012 on a Cadet Expedition says, “It has all boosted my confidence and taught me how to teach and to communicate with others.  Now I even have the confidence to walk into a room full of strangers and tell them what to do … but only as part of my Cadet role of course!”

If you’d like to find out when and where your local Cadet unit meets and make arrangements for an introductory visit, telephone: 028 9081 5223 or visit www.armycadets.com