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RECRUIT CHRISTMAS CAMP A Successful Christmas Camp for Recruits was held at Queens College from December 18 to 21, 2005. One hundred and sixty recruits, and another 70 NCOs, BDF staff and civilian cooks and Officers attended the camp. The aim of the exercise was to complete the recruitment phase of these new members of the Barbados Cadet Corps; to expose the recruits to their first camp experience; to provide an opportunity for newly promoted NCOs to operate in a camp environment at their new rank, and for officers to observe and assess the level of readiness of both the recruits and new NCOs. There was a major hitch on the first day when a mix-up in communications resulted in some parents and recruits arriving at the campsite expecting a 0900hrs start when in fact the camp was scheduled to commence at 1400 hrs. This was quickly addressed by a number of officers who addressed the problem. Our apologies to all those inconvenienced by this miscommunication. Overall, Camp Commandant, Maj Peter Powlett reports that the camp was a huge success. Highlights were the hike and adventurous training exercise which took the camp attendees to Walkers in St. Andrew, a scrumptious Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday 21st; good camaraderie among the recruits; and good work by the NCOs. Compliments to all those involved in making the camp the success that it was. Camp Adjutant Lt L. Springer addressing the recruits on day one of camp |
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| Camp Commandant, Maj. Peter Powlett chairs a planning session of officers. Ongoing and detailed planning is critical to ensuring a safe and successful camp. |
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| Adjutant sets out the regulations and ground rules for the camp to Recruits at the first session. Note that camp bugler Cpl Chalery is on hand to demonstrate the various bugle calls while the Adjutant explains the required responses. |
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| Lt Springer hands the parade back over to Orderly Officer CUO Cumberbatch at the end of his briefing. |
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| Adult Officers observe from the front of the parade as the parade Sergeant Major gives his instructions as to what is to happen upon dismissal |
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| The recruits stood attentively during the briefing and paid close attention to all that was said and done... |
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| The Adult officers found some amusement in the proceedings from time to time - after all it was Lt Springer's parade |
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| The Recruits of Dec2005 lived up to the longstanding traditions of the Barbados Cadet Corps. They were strong, talkative, active, fun-loving, chatty, smart, hardworking, noisy, witty, and from all reports enjoyed every minute of camp. The Officers and NCOs.... well THEY survived.... |
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| Cpl. Chalery and F/Cdt Doyle did the camp bugler duties. As usual the most popular call was .... the cookhouse... |
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| All aboard -off we go to the much talked about hike... |
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| Final briefing and checks before the start of the hike |
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| and they are off... |
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| Through hill and vale.... |
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| But some turns called for thought and reference to maps |
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| Some were downright complex... |
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| The two groups took different routes |
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| Recruit Alleyne showed he was a real leader... |
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| The BDF provided hydration at critical times |
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| We must be nearly there by now...Thank God lunch is there. |
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