Camps & Residential Experiences
From annual squadron camp to specialist courses and international exchanges. All camps are supervised, structured, and provide memorable experiences in a safe environment.
Annual Camp
Annual camp is the highlight of the cadet year. Typically held during the summer holidays, cadets spend a week at an RAF station or military facility experiencing a wide range of activities, training, and social experiences they wouldn't normally access.
- What happens: flying, sports, adventure activities, drill, visits, and free time with friends.
- Accommodation: usually in military-style accommodation with full catering and facilities.
- Supervision: fully staffed by trained adult volunteers with clear welfare and safeguarding procedures.
Annual camp is structured, supervised, and safe. We provide detailed information packs including itineraries, kit lists, contact details, and emergency procedures.
Camp costs are heavily subsidised. We work with families to ensure finance is not a barrier to participation.
Interested in joining?
If your child would enjoy a week of activities, meeting new people, and trying new experiences, annual camp is unforgettable. Start with our joining info or get in touch.
Specialist Camps
Specialist camps focus on specific activities or skills — such as adventure training, music, shooting, or leadership development. These camps provide intensive training and progression opportunities for cadets with particular interests or abilities.
- Camp types: adventure training, music camps, shooting camps, leadership courses, and skill-focused events.
- Who can attend: selection based on skill level, experience, or aptitude in the relevant area.
- Benefits: focused skill development, meeting cadets with similar interests, and achieving qualifications.
Specialist camps help cadets develop skills to a higher level and achieve nationally recognised qualifications.
We advertise opportunities and help cadets understand requirements and application processes for specialist camps.
Weekend Camps
Weekend camps provide shorter residential experiences throughout the year. These might include training weekends, field exercises, competitions, or activity-focused events. They're perfect for cadets new to residential experiences.
- Duration: typically Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
- Activities: training exercises, team challenges, sports competitions, or adventure activities.
- Ideal for: cadets building confidence with overnight stays or those unable to attend longer camps.
Weekend camps are a great stepping stone for cadets preparing for longer residential experiences like annual camp.
Shorter camps allow cadets to experience residential activities without committing to a full week away.
International Exchanges
International exchanges offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for cadets to visit other countries and experience different cultures. Through links with air cadet organisations worldwide, cadets can take part in exchanges to Europe, North America, and beyond.
- Destinations: opportunities vary but have included USA, Canada, Germany, Cyprus, and more.
- Experience: cultural immersion, activities with overseas cadets, sightseeing, and building international friendships.
- Selection: based on attendance, behaviour, aptitude, and sometimes interviews or applications.
International exchanges broaden horizons, build independence, and create memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
Places are limited and often competitive. We help cadets understand requirements and prepare strong applications.
Preparing for Camp
We provide comprehensive support to help cadets and parents prepare for camp experiences. This includes detailed information packs, kit lists, pre-camp briefings, and clear communication about what to expect, ensuring everyone feels confident and ready.
- Information provided: detailed itineraries, kit lists, contact details, medical forms, and behaviour expectations.
- Pre-camp briefings: meetings for cadets and parents to ask questions and understand arrangements.
- Support available: help with kit, travel arrangements, and addressing any concerns before departure.
We understand camps can be a big step. We're here to answer questions, address concerns, and ensure everyone feels prepared and confident.
You'll have emergency contact details and know how to reach us throughout camp. We keep parents informed and respond promptly to any concerns.
