There are many different things that Adult Instructors like about being in the ACF, ranging from new experiences like going on annual camp and working with youngsters, to being in the great outdoors doing something meaningful. The contrast with your day job and the fact that regular involvement with the ACF helps to keep people fitter will benefit your life as a whole.

 

Everyone enjoys one aspect above all others though - seeing youngsters fulfil their potential as they grow into responsible adults.

 

Without doubt, the knowledge that you are bringing out the best in someone ranks highly among Adult Instructors, but there are a raft of other benefits that make being part of the UK’s biggest youth organisation so worthwhile.

 

Being an Adult instructor provides a break from the 9-5 norm and can bring a whole new dimension to your life. Annual camps for instance, can be so different from what you normally do that some Instructors report feeling re-energised on returning to work. It will also augment your personal CV, demonstrating to potential employers your leadership, motivational and management skills, as well as your willingness to take on responsibility.

 

Involvement with the ACF amounts to the ultimate extra curricular activity, providing plenty of action and adventure, from rifle shooting, fieldcraft and self sufficiency techniques, to learning how to abseil down a sheer rock face. But the sports don’t have to be extreme and if you just fancy getting into better shape, joining the ACF could prove much more effective then enrolling at the gym – and certainly more fun.

 

Along with the action, adventure and excitement comes a ready-made social life. You will meet fellow Instructors at your own detachment and annual and company camps will bring you into contact with many other like minded people around your home county and beyond.

 

It’s important to remember that it’s not just the Cadets who develop and gain new skills and qualifications. Whilst Adult Instructors meet the challenges of being a youth leader, team-working, communication and leadership skills will all be exercised and developed.

 

A range of training courses is available free of charge to instructors which are necessary should you want to take part in activities such as hill-walking or canoeing. As well as local training, all Instructors take the Adult Instructor’s Course at Cadet Training Centre (CTC) at Frimley Park in Surrey.  This is the national training centre for the ACF and runs courses, conferences and briefings throughout the year on everything form first aid to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

 

Whatever your area of interest or training need, there should be a course provided to cover it - and if the CTC doesn’t provide it, you will be advised where you can find it. (Some specialist training in areas such as mountain leadership must be accredited). All courses are paid for by the ACF and supplementary payment and expenses are made for days spent in training.

 

Although people don’t become Adult Instructors for the money, you can be paid for some of the time you put in at a rate equivalent to a similar rank in the army. Most official mileage and out of pocket expenses can be reimbursed too.

 

There is a great life to be had as an Adult Instructor. It will stretch and challenge you, and give you the satisfaction of knowing you are helping tomorrow’s generation realise its full potential. Not bad for a weekends work.