Cadets and staff from 2438 Squadron Air Training Corps recently took part in a series of activities at Hinckley Water Activities Training Centre.

The day was arranged in partnership between Coventry City Council and staff at 2438 Squadron in recognition of the valuable time given by the cadets as volunteers during the city’s Half Marathon last October.

Designed to help the cadets build team work and leadership skills, they took part in various activities such as canoeing, communication exercises, crossing tyres with planks and building a self supporting structure to hold the team off the ground.

The Squadron’s Adjutant Flight Sergeant (ATC) Alan Tillman who helped organised this fantastic experience for the cadets said: "Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was great for me to get involved in the activities with them. I'd like to thank Paul Claridge from Coventry City Council for helping organise the event and Steve Burrows of Hinckley Water Activities Training Centre (HWATC) for facilitating a great day.

"Working as a team throughout each activity the cadets learned some valuable skills and got to know each other a little better. All the cadets taking part on the day enjoyed the experience and came away with some ideas and thoughts that they can utilise in the squadron and in their everyday life."

The city's half marathon race director Paul Claridge said "It’s fantastic to see these young people helping at such an important event for the city of Coventry. We can't do it without hundreds of volunteers who give their time for free. I hope with the experience that they gained at the weekend they are happy to keep pushing themselves and are ready to try new experiences."

2438 Squadron is volunteering again at this year’s half marathon which is taking place on 23 May. To get involved with the half marathon as a runner or volunteer, visit www.coventryhalf.com for more information.

Over the weekend of the 26-28th February cadets made the short journey to Rough Close for a taste of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The cadets were in groups for Initial Expedition Training, Bronze practice and Silver practice expeditions.
The weather during the day time over the three days was cold, but good for walking, with the odd light shower. The worst of the weather was during the night time, leaving the ground wet and muddy for the walks during the day time.

For the majority of cadets it was their first experience of being self-sufficient, carrying there kit, cooking and navigating without assistance. It was certainly an eye-opener for the cadets.

The next camp will be a week long in the Peak District at Easter, offering a more challenging environment.

121 (Nuneaton) Squadron Air Training Corps has been selected to represent the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing in the 'Lees Trophy' competition, which is held annually to find the best squadron in the country.

Green fingered cadets from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Cadets teamed up with Whitefriars Housing Group to put their gardening skills to use on Saturday 6 March by planting 60 trees and 60 bushes on a Bell Green housing estate.

The cadets were taking part in a planting scheme in partnership with The Woodland Trust, using land provided by Whitefriars, to improve the environment for local residents.

The Woodland Trust donated trees and hedging plants to encourage the cadets to learn about, and engage in, woodland conservation. This initiative is part of the Trust’s Tree for All campaign, which aims to involve two million children in planting 12 million trees.