DATE 01-01-08                                                                                                                                                     

NEWS

Cadets Go Scuba

Sergeant Mark Jones (Centre) with two Cadets

Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force has just become the first youth branch of the British Sub Aqua Club dedicated solely to army cadets   -   and a certificate of club status was recently granted by the governing body of the BSAC following approval from their regional coach.

The new club gives young army cadets aged 14 to 18 a route in to sub aqua diving that has not previously been available to them. It is exclusive to members of Cambridgeshire army cadet force and training is planned to take place all year round including at the annual cadet summer camp.

Lead trainer Sergeant Mark Jones, who is himself a fully qualified advanced diver said, “We will provide a safe environment for cadets and their adult instructors to experience the excitement and challenge of sub aqua diving.

“We train in local and military swimming pools giving everyone the chance to progress from basic level right up to the level 4 advanced diver qualification awarded by the BSAC.”

County adventure training officer, Captain Bob Tonkins added, “'We are always seeking new ways of involving young people in adventurous training and challenging pursuits to develop their skills and abilities.  We encourage qualities of self-confidence, team work and interdependence; physical and moral courage and a love of outdoor pursuits. During 2008 we aim to qualify a minimum of 5 adults and 15 cadets under the BSAC rules and look forward to training many more as time progresses.”

Initial diving courses will now be offered to the 600 army cadets and 100 adult instructors throughout Cambridgeshire.

Sergeant Mark Jones Instructing