TWO groups from 1220 (March) Squadron Air cadets spent a night under canvas as they took part in the expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s bronze award.

For the more experienced team, the Norfolk trip was their final expedition; while the other team of newer cadets were in training for their final test later in the year.

After a kit check and a sharing out of equipment, the cadets were taken to Fakenham to start their expeditions. The five cadets completing their final expedition set off first, and the wet weather meant they spent most of the weekend in waterproofs. This didn’t dampen their spirits, and after two days of walking and camping overnight, the team finished on time.

Cadet Aleks Deaves, 14, said: “Our practise last year was really useful, and we were determined to learn from our mistakes so that we could enjoy our expedition. We had a lot of fun even though it rained.”

The team under training walked a similar route. For the first part of their route they were accompanied by a member of staff to help them with their navigation and teamwork. Once the team had demonstrated that they were able to work together and make good navigation decisions they were left to complete their route.

On arrival at the campsite, tents were pitched and the cadets prepared their own meals before settling down for the night. On the second day, the training team completed the planned route. Cadet Katie Mowatt, 14, said: “The training was really useful and I’m looking forward to completing my actual expedition later this year”

For Cadet Chanel Ogden, 15, the expedition meant she had completed all sections of the bronze award, and she has already started working on the silver award.

For further information on 1220 log onto the website at www.1220atc.org.uk .