A rare opportunity to attend the National and Space Camp for RAF Air Cadets was well-deserved by a West Buckland School CCF cadet, Cadet Lance Corporal Richard S (Year 11) this Summer.

Written by Pilot Officer Liz Cwilewicz

The annual Camp based at RAF Syerston in Nottinghamshire hosted over 800 cadets who were fortunate to experience over 56 industry expert technologies, to develop hands-on STEM skills delivered by renowned Aerospace organisations. During the Week, Richard had a taster of drone construction to VR headsets, British Airways flight simulators and Air Traffic Control to flying and gliding opportunities with 2 Flying Training School (2FTS). With only 6 spaces offered to southwest schools, Cdt L/Cpl Richard Sturley was very lucky to be chosen to attend the summer camp and learn skills that not every average student can experience in such a packed week. Given the window of opportunity to fly in rare weather conditions this August, cadets were able to fill up their gliding and flying logbooks quite happily. Off-site visits selected by the cadets beforehand included the National Space Centre in Leicester and RAF Waddington for the E-3 Sentry simulator. To top the event off, cadets and visitors (on GCSE results day!) were treated to a well-received display from the Red Arrows, vintage aircraft and chinook to name a few. Phew!

With a careers fair to roam around, lots of friends to make, expert volunteer staff to meet and plenty of social time, Richard has a lifetime of memories to cherish. Special camps like these can set the start of young person’s path to a more promising future in Aerospace industries and employment. Most importantly, the confidence, resilience, and willingness to try new experiences in Life.

Photos: Taken from 2FTS / RAF website/Facebook  2FTS RAF Syerston, Air & Space Camp 2023