Annual Camp 2025

The pinnacle of the training year was a week-long stay at Otterburn Camp, Northumberland. 348 cadets, 89 adult volunteers and Derbyshire ACF's permanent staff traveled 4hrs north to enjoy a packed programme of Army Cadet Syllabus training and testing, competitions and unique military-themed experiences that only the Cadet Forces can offer. Junior cadets found superb role models in the senior cadets of the four companies. Cadet Company Sergeant Majors garnered respect from their peers by applying just the right amount of discipline; ensuring all cadets enjoyed the camp and were in an environment that would enable them to fulfill their potential. Derbyshire ACF's dedicated team of adult volunteers showed great agility and creativity when presented with challenges. Their professionalism on rifle ranges, during fieldcraft exercises and in the delivery of higher-risk activities ensured that cadets could achieve and go further in their ACF careers. Under Derbyshire ACF's new leadership, it was an extremely successful and well-orchestrated camp that achieved every planned objective in a safe way. This was in large part due to excellent command and control at County Headquarters, with senior volunteers working in unison and clear communication at every level. We enjoyed a series of visits during the week. We were honoured to host The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and she presented a series of awards to cadets and adult volunteers during our final county parade. Deputy Commander Cadets, Brigadier McDade, dropped in and spoke with many cadets and adult volunteers to discover what they were enjoying and listen to their views and ideas for the ACF's future. Colonel Cadets and the Regional RSMI for HQ Centre (East) observed lots of great training during their visit. We also hosted Lt Col Turner - JMC HQ Centre Deputy Commander, Major Parr - Officer Commanding Cadet Training Team, Col Nick Hile DL - Chairman of East Midlands RFCA, Lt Col (Ret'd) G de la Hoyd-Brooks - Deputy Chief Executive, East Midlands RFCA, Col John Wilson - Former Vice Lord Lt of Derbyshire, Mr James Stafford DL - Vice President Derbyshire RBL. Plans for Annual Camp 2026 are already underway! With the lessons learnt from this camp, and with the valued feedback from all, it will surely offer even more fun, friendship, action and adventure!