Ciara Allen (Upper Sixth)

After several years of disruption due to COVID, the cadets from BGS and Bedford School returned to their first annual camp since 2019.

Held at Barry Buddon in Scotland at the end of the summer term, the military training centre is approximately one mile west of Carnoustie and its well-known golf club. The cadets from both schools spent a week improving their field craft skills and weapons handling by partaking in activities such as an ambush and house clearance. There also was the 24-hour exercise where cadets spent the night out in the field, participating in several patrols before carrying out a platoon attack which was a definite success. Towards the end of the week, the cadets had an adventure training day where they took part in highland games and coasteering which was enjoyed by all.

Reflections from the BGS cadets:  

Erin Murphy (Year 11): “It was really fun and I experienced new challenges.”

Bridget Calder (Year 11): “Annual camp was a great opportunity to socialise with new people as well as learn or enhance our skills in CCF. As someone who is considering joining the army, it was an eye-opening experience and I hope to do it again.”

Ivy Nelson (Year 11): “Annual camp really allowed me to get to know and meet more people and we got to learn lots about the army and combat and I will always remember it as a really fantastic experience.”

Catherine Chaplin (Year 11): “Annual camp was a great experience and was a great opportunity to mix with students from both schools. It was great to learn new skills and recap old ones. I am already looking forward to next year’s camp.”

Licia Cacioppo (Year 11): “Annual camp was incredibly fun as well as being a great opportunity to practise and improve our shooting, fieldcraft, drill, and cam and concealment skills. My favourite part was definitely the ambushes we did.”