DofE in the Army Cadets

🌟 Gold DofE Celebration Friday 22 May 🌟

Can you believe it’s already been a week since the second of our days marshalling at Buckingham Palace for the Gold Award Celebrations?

Cadets from around the country travelled to London to spend the day supporting this high profile, exciting event. As well as , we were pleased to include some CCF cadets - from both Army and RAF sections!

Thanks to all the cadets who took part in this memorable event, and to the staff who supported them on a very hot and sticky day!

🌟 Staff Appreciation Post - Capel Curig 🌟

A massive thank you to the team who came and supported the National Gold The Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition in North Wales this year.

‘Overcoming challenges’ was definitely the theme for this event from the planning through to ex*****on. Not only with the base location ( ) but also with the extreme weather and heat that was encountered by the participants.

From making sure that the teams were kept safe, hydrated, looked after from the sun and making any necessary adjustments that were needed, it was great to see the team come together again with a couple of new members. Major Simon Chaplin, expedition lead, added, ‘It amazes me how well you all work together to ensure that a successful expedition can take place. It is a testament to your dedication and commitment to the Army Cadets UK and your willingness to adapt when necessary. Above all, the professionalism that you bring to this event gives the event coordinator the satisfaction of being able to rely on your inherent skills to not just do a job but do it really well.

I know that all the participants appreciate the hard work that you have all put in over this week.

Now that it has concluded for another year, we are always looking forward to the next and I hope that you will all wish to return to Wales to assist then.

Words cannot say enough how lucky I am working with such a fine team of CFAVs. I could not do this event without your support and I thank you so much and look forward to working with you again.’

Thanks to you all!

ACCT UK

🌟Staff Appreciation Post - Okehampton! 🌟

A huge thank you to the team of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who have dedicated their May half term to supporting our The Duke of Edinburgh's Award teams on Dartmoor.

Throughout the week, the staff team have supervised and assessed 2 Gold Assessed teams alongside supporting 3 Gold Practice teams, giving up their own time to ensure every cadet is safe, supported and able to successfully complete this demanding challenge.

The conditions on Dartmoor have been particularly testing, with temperatures reaching an exhausting 33 degrees, adding another level of difficulty to an already physically and mentally demanding expedition environment. Despite the heat and long days, our CFAVs continue to demonstrate exceptional professionalism, resilience, compassion and commitment at every stage.

The role of both Supervisors and Assessors is vital to the success of any DofE expedition. Supervisors are responsible for the safety, welfare and remote oversight of teams, often making difficult decisions, monitoring wellbeing and ensuring cadets can learn and develop through challenge while remaining safe in tough conditions. Assessors play an equally important role, observing how teams perform, evaluating their teamwork, leadership, navigation and resilience, while encouraging participants to reflect and grow throughout the expedition.

These responsibilities require excellent communication, leadership, problem-solving, risk management and decision-making skills. The experience gained through supporting DofE expeditions helps CFAVs continue to develop professionally, strengthening confidence, teamwork and the ability to lead under pressure in challenging environments.

From route planning and welfare checks to mentoring cadets through difficult moments, our volunteers have shown outstanding dedication and care throughout the week. Their encouragement and professionalism have helped provide an unforgettable experience for every team taking part.

Thank you to every CFAV involved for your time, energy and unwavering commitment to supporting young people and delivering such a rewarding Gold DofE experience. Your efforts truly make a difference and do not go unnoticed👏

A massive shout out to Charlotte, Rob, Dave, Carl, Alan, Jeff and Brendan - without whom this event could not happen. And not forgetting the expedition lead - Major Kerry Barker, whose commitment and leadership ensured the event was successful, fun and safe!



Army Cadets UK ACCT UK

🎉 Gold Exped Complete at Okehampton! 🎉

All 5 of our Gold teams on Dartmoor have successfully completed their practice or assessed expedition over the past 4 days!

With some tricky weather conditions to navigate, they all took it in their stride, and achieved their planned goals!

Well done to them all, and we wish them all luck with completing the rest of their awards soon!

🎉 They’ve done it!! 🎉

All 6 of our Gold teams in North Wales have completed either their practice or assessed expedition over the past 4 days!

Handling everything that came their way, from heat to thunderstorms, they worked as teams to complete the venture they’d planned together.

For some of them, this is the final section of their Gold Award, and now they’ll just have a few bits of admin to do to get the award over the line.

A huge congratulations to all of them.

A huge congratulations to all the cadets and adult volunteers who received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at last week’s ceremony in London!

As the DofE marks its 70th anniversary, we were proud to spend time with this inspiring group ahead of their visit to Buckingham Palace and celebrate the achievements being recognised on the day, including three of our own ACCT UK colleagues.

Congratulations to:
• Major Roberta Turkington MBE, ACCT UK’s NI Branch Secretary, who has supported more than 550 cadets and adult volunteers to achieve a DofE award over the past 10 years and will also be celebrated at ACCT UK's upcoming Excellence Awards.
• Ellie Simpson, ACCT UK HR Assistant, who proudly collected her own Gold DofE Award.

ACCT UK’s DofE Award Manager, Liz Green, attended the ceremony alongside Chief Executive, Murdo Urquhart, and Director of Development, Faye Meakin. All members of staff were delighted to be there to celebrate the incredible achievements of all the cadets and adult volunteers receiving their Gold awards.

Thank you to the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award team for such a memorable day!

DofE in the Army Cadets

🏕️ Gold Exped Okehampton Day 3 - Team 3 🏕️

The Red Stars had another productive day. They left the Death Stone at Fernworthy nice and early and headed south to Postbridge. They enjoyed a paddle under the clapper bridge and met the National DofE Officer Lt Col Peterson. They even had to adorn their waterproofs during a 10 minute shower.

Their route took them from Postbridge to Powder Mills and then the famous Wistman Woods where legend has it that Devil Dogs chase the spirits of lost adventurers and trap them. We must have missed the devil dogs this time.

The walk finished at 1800 at Holming Beam and a chance to catch up with two other teams.

An enjoyable and productive day. I am yet to hear a single complaint or moan from this exemplary group of teenagers.

Day 2: Level Complete
Next up: Bonus Level

🏕️ Gold Exped Capel Curig Day 3 - Team 1 🏕️

Well done to Team 1 who smashed Day 3 and are on the home straight today!

🏕️ Gold Exped Capel Curig Day 3 - Team 2🏕️

Another great day for Team 2, ending at a lovely campsite ☺️

Final day today - wish them luck!