The Air Training Corps
Annual and Overseas Camps
The highlight of the cadet's calendar is annual camp - a week away at
an RAF station. Annual camps are organised for all squadrons so that
every cadet who wishes to take part and who has achieved at least the
First Class qualification may attend. Cadets usually stay in RAF barrack
blocks and eat in the station's mess facilities. The itinerary is always
packed with typical ATC activities such as air experience flying, shooting,
adventure training and, of course, drill. Cadets will also have the
opportunity to visit various sections of the station and meet the people
who work there. For older and more experienced cadets who have achieved
the Leading Cadet qualification, the corps also offers overseas camps.
These are more expensive than UK camps, as the cost of flights has to
be paid for, and are generally more relaxed and seen as a reward for
hard working and long serving cadets. Since the end of the Cold War,
and the closure of RAF stations in Germany, the number of overseas camp
opportunities has decreased. As of 2005 the destinations for overseas
camps were:
Akrotiri on Cyprus. A two week camp over the Easter holiday.
RAF Gibraltar in Gibraltar.
JHQ Rheindahlen in Germany