Cadets Fly High On Prestigious Air And Space Camp

Published by West Buckland School on Tuesday 12th of September 2023

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL AND SPACE CAMP FOR RAF AIR CADETS WAS WELL-DESERVED BY A WEST BUCKLAND SCHOOL CCF CADET, CADET LANCE CORPORAL RICHARD S (YEAR 11) THIS SUMMER.

The annual Camp based at RAF Syerston in Nottinghamshire hosted over 800 cadets who were fortunate to experience over 56 industry expert technologies, to develop hands-on STEM skills delivered by renowned Aerospace organisations. During the Week, Richard had a taster of drone construction to VR headsets, British Airways flight simulators and Air Traffic Control to flying and gliding opportunities with 2 Flying Training School (2FTS). With only 6 spaces offered to southwest schools, Cdt L/Cpl Richard Sturley was very lucky to be chosen to attend the summer camp and learn skills that not every average student can experience in such a packed week. Given the window of opportunity to fly in rare weather conditions this August, cadets were able to fill up their gliding and flying logbooks quite happily. Off-site visits selected by the cadets beforehand included the National Space Centre in Leicester and RAF Waddington for the E-3 Sentry simulator. To top the event off, cadets and visitors (on GCSE results day!) were treated to a well-received display from the Red Arrows, vintage aircraft and chinook to name a few. Phew!

With a careers fair to roam around, lots of friends to make, expert volunteer staff to meet and plenty of social time, Richard has a lifetime of memories to cherish. Special camps like these can set the start of young person’s path to a more promising future in Aerospace industries and employment. Most importantly, the confidence, resilience, and willingness to try new experiences in Life.

Written by Pilot Officer Liz Cwilewicz