Cadets and staff from the Army and Royal Air Force Sections of Calday Grange Grammar School Combined Cadet Force have returned from an extremely successful week of Annual Summer Camps at Altcar and Inskip.
Annual Camp is one of the highlights of the CCF training programme, providing cadets with the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills developed throughout the year into practice. It also allows them to experience new activities, take on greater responsibility and develop their confidence, leadership, teamwork and resilience.
Both sections completed demanding and varied programmes during the week, representing Calday Grange Grammar School with enthusiasm, professionalism and pride.
Army Section – Altcar Training Camp
The Army Section attended its week-long Annual Camp at Altcar Training Camp. Cadets participated in a comprehensive programme of military, leadership, sporting and team-building activities designed to challenge them both individually and collectively.
Activities included fieldcraft, drill and marching, DCCT, mine clearance, archery, laser clay pigeon shooting, paintball and a range of sporting challenges. Each activity required cadets to listen carefully, work effectively with others and apply their training under pressure.
A particular highlight was the fieldcraft phase. The Calday cadets performed exceptionally well and achieved maximum points on the fieldcraft stand. Their performance attracted outstanding praise from the directing staff, who highlighted the high standard, experience and robustness demonstrated by the group.
This recognition was a significant achievement for the section and reflected the cadets’ preparation, discipline and determination. It was also a testament to the time and effort invested by the adult volunteers and senior cadets who supported their training throughout the year.
Victory in the Altcar Challenge
The week culminated in the Altcar Challenge, a demanding competition that tested the knowledge, practical ability, teamwork and leadership skills developed by the cadets throughout camp.
Teams were required to complete a wide range of stands, drawing upon their military skills while remaining focused and working effectively under pressure. The weather added a further level of difficulty, but the cadets refused to allow the challenging conditions to affect their determination or performance.
Calday’s Army cadets displayed excellent communication, discipline and teamwork throughout the competition. Their resilience and consistently high standards resulted in the team being named winners of the Altcar Challenge.
Winning the competition was a tremendous achievement and a fitting conclusion to an excellent week. Every member of the team contributed to the result, supporting one another and showing the determination required to succeed.
The victory was an extremely proud moment for the Army Section and demonstrated the strength of the cadets’ training, commitment and team spirit.
RAF Section – Inskip Cadet Training Camp
At the same time, members of the RAF Section attended their Annual Summer Camp at Inskip Cadet Training Camp.
The RAF cadets completed an action-packed programme combining military training, adventurous activities and recreational opportunities. The week was designed to develop practical skills while encouraging cadets to challenge themselves, build confidence and work closely as part of a team.
Activities included climbing, water sports, paintball and DCCT. Cadets also travelled to Blackpool Shooting Range, where they had the opportunity to take part in live firing under the supervision of qualified staff.
These activities required concentration, discipline and a responsible approach. Cadets supported one another throughout the programme and demonstrated a willingness to learn, improve and step outside their comfort zones.
Alongside the training programme, the cadets enjoyed a visit to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This provided an opportunity to relax, strengthen friendships and enjoy a well-earned break following a busy period of activities.
The British weather provided its own challenges during the week, with the cadets experiencing a range of difficult conditions. However, they continued to approach each activity with enthusiasm, resilience and a positive attitude.
The conduct of the RAF cadets throughout the camp was excellent. They represented the section, the wider Contingent and Calday Grange Grammar School with maturity and professionalism.
Developing Skills for the Future
Annual Camp is about much more than completing activities. It gives cadets the opportunity to develop qualities that will benefit them both within the CCF and in their wider lives.
Throughout the week, cadets were required to communicate clearly, solve problems, work as part of a team and take responsibility for themselves and others. They also learned the importance of perseverance when facing unfamiliar tasks, physical demands and changing conditions.
For some cadets, this was their first experience of attending an extended residential camp. For others, it provided an opportunity to build upon their previous experience, support younger members of their section and demonstrate developing leadership skills.
The friendships, confidence and memories gained during the week will remain with the cadets long after the camp has ended.
Recognising the Contribution of Our Staff
The success of both camps would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the adult volunteers who gave their time to accompany, supervise and support the cadets.
Considerable preparation takes place before an Annual Camp can begin, and staff continue working throughout the week to ensure that cadets remain safe, supported and able to gain the greatest possible benefit from every opportunity.
Their encouragement and dedication played an important part in the achievements of both sections.
The Contingent would also like to thank the directing staff, instructors and support personnel at Altcar, Inskip and Blackpool Shooting Range for providing such a varied and rewarding programme.
A Proud Week for Calday CCF
The 2026 Annual Summer Camps were a resounding success for Calday CCF. Both the Army and RAF Sections maintained exceptionally high standards while embracing every challenge and opportunity presented to them.
The Army Section’s victory in the Altcar Challenge, together with the outstanding praise received for its fieldcraft performance, was an excellent conclusion to the week. At Inskip, the RAF Section demonstrated the same high levels of enthusiasm, resilience and commitment across an extensive programme of training and activities.
Every cadet should be proud of what they achieved. Their teamwork, determination and conduct were a credit to themselves, their families, the Contingent and Calday Grange Grammar School.
Congratulations to all the cadets and staff involved in another outstanding week for Calday CCF.
