CAMPS
Camps get you out and about and give you a taste of what RAF personnel experience. They're also some of the most enjoyable and memorable things you'll do. Usually based around adventurous activities (especially fieldcraft), this is where you take control of your new abilities and put them to the test.
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Every year we try to get cadets on as many RAF focused camps as possible. This is mainly over the summer holidays and in addition to the summer camps we regularly send cadets to the Royal International Air Tattoo, the National Aerospace Camp, the Air Cadet Leadership cadre, the Drill and Ceremonial Camp as well as others. Our cadets have also been abroad, going on camps to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, Gibraltar and Germany.
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We are planning to add yet more camps to our array and we have already submitted the paperwork to take cadets to the Airbourne Marches in the Netherlands in September 21.
Summer camps
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Once you're used to local camps you'll want more. Every year, you're given the opportunity to attend a camp on an operational RAF station. These camps last a week (normally Saturday to Saturday or Wednesday to Wednesday) with the purpose of getting you even closer to Service life. As an air cadet, you'll fit right in.
You'll sleep in RAF accommodation blocks, eat at the airmen's mess and visit the various sections around the station. You'll meet the base personnel, as well as take part in sports, quizzes, aircraft recognition competitions and any social activities which may be available. There will be drill, uniform and room inspections, and everything will earn points for you as an individual and for your team. Cadets over 16 may receive a work experience placement whilst on the camp where they see first-hand exactly what a job within the Royal Air Force involves.
Everyone will normally get a flight in one of the Air Experience Flight's Tutor aircraft and being on an RAF station puts you in a perfect position to get opportunity flights on other aircraft which may have a few spare seats. Helicopter flight anyone?
Each RAF station has an Air Cadet Liaison Officer (ACLO) who will ensure that the camp runs smoothly and that you get support and as many opportunities to do things as possible.
Overseas camps
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This is where it gets really interesting! Once you've attended annual camp, proven yourself as a leader and have reached the age of 15, you're ready for an overseas camp at one of our RAF stations in Gibraltar, Cyprus or Germany.
These camps are more relaxed as all of you involved are pretty experienced by this point. There's less focus on drill and inspections and more on the other aspects of camp, such as work experience with RAF personnel and looking around local towns (like Limassol in Cyprus) and exploring historical sites.
An overseas camp is a must and it's not surprising that places are limited. Applying for one is just the beginning - you may have to fend off competition from within your own squadron to get an interview. Only after this will you discover if you've been chosen to attend overseas camp and become the envy of your squadron!
RIAT
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) Fairford is arguably the greatest airshow in the world. With 246 aircraft, representing 32 different military organisations from 26 countries, the 3 day event held over the weekend of 14-16 Jul 2017 was an extremely large scale operation.
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The Royal Air Force Air Cadets, led by Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, provide support to the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the hosts of the Airshow, providing over 1000 Staff and Cadets from all over the UK & Internationally on an annual basis to help the Airshow run smoothly and efficiently
National Aerospace Camp
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The National Aerospace Camp has delivered exciting and engaging aerospace opportunities to Air Cadets from across the country. The week-long camp brings together cadets from every corner of the UK to RAF Syerston, Nottinghamshire.
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It focus on specialist aerospace training, unique aviation and engineering themed activities, plus flying and gliding opportunities. Thanks to the support of RAF stations and industry partners, the camp also delivers a unique programme of exclusive industry visits.
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​Cadets benefit from expert instructors and a dedicated camp team, supported by No. 2 Flying Training School and the RAF Air Cadets.
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Opportunities in aerospace they’ll never forget - the National Aerospace Camp.
