From reports received, these camps generally exceeded expectations.

Final reports are being compiled and as of July 31, our Star 4 cadets are somewhere near to the highest point in Dominica at approximate 4747 feet above sea level. However preliminary numbers suggest that the response from Officers, cadets, relatives and everyone involved has been great.

Cadet Executive Officer, Major Patrick Skeete commented on his great satisfaction at the response to the Corps' plans this year. Indeed a number of parents expressed a wish to join some of the camps (and a few did indeed assist) with the result that meals at these camps came in for rave reviews from cadets and officers.

Camp meals were of such high standard that consideration may need to be given in the future to deliberately ensuring that some of the old camp food traditions and complaints be restored.

Camp commenced at the Paragon campsite with one hundred and thirty juniors attending their very first camp. Camp Commandant was Major Peter Powlett and he was supported by a number of supporting officers and NCOs. This camp was very successful with all objectives being met, cadets having a great time and of course parents suggesting longer periods for these camps.

                          Star 1 girls

Star 1 camp followed at the same location with Captain Sandra Norville in the camp commandant's hot seat. She also enjoyed good support from officers and NCOs but not without some efforts, since large numbers of officers and NCOs were then preparing to travel overseas. It is also well known that this is the most challenging group of cadets to manage in any environment. Word had also been spread that one Cadet Pope was scheduled to be in attendance. However this camp also achieved the set objectives and turned out to be a most enjoyable experience for everyone except the officers and NCOs (a clear sign of a great star 1 camp)

Captain Errol 'Chief' Brathwaite then set off to Jamaica with a contingent of 10 including the Corps' top crack shots. Their mission - To participate fully in Caribbean Cadet Camp 2006 and to represent Barbados in the Caribbean Cadet Shooting Competition. A full report is expected on their return on August 2.

Major Peter Powlett again assumed Camp Commandant's duties when Star 2, Star 3 and Band members traveled to the Island of St Lucia for their summer camp. The camp was held just outside Castries at the Castries Secondary School. Some 25 cadets of the St Lucia Cadet Force also attended that camp. While the final report has not yet been released by Cadet Headquarters, cadets appear to have had a ball. Support from the St Lucia Cadet Force was good and relations between cadets was great.

There were a number of challenges presented during the camp. Air travel was a major one and the contingent was forced to travel in various groups to and from the various destinations. The BCC HQ staff and Officers were able to smoothly deal with this potentially chaotic arrangement. During the camp itself, a major problem was presented when it was realised that due to major road construction (World Cup preparations) in the area the water was not suitable for potable usage. Immediate arrangements were made to provide bottled water to all persons in camp and also to boil large quantities for the making of juice etc. The biggest challenge came when the water to the school was completely shut off for an extended period.

Mr Beckles conducts drumming class

Again officers and senior cadets responded professionally and using tankers, makeshift shower arrangements and sanitary arrangements, were able to maintain the site in such good condition that cadets were able to continue to function relatively normally and to enjoy the training and the camp life.

It is clear that the Barbados Cadet Corps is quite ready to respond to difficult situations and that the recent training in Disaster Preparedness has paid off for our officers and senior cadets.

Captain David Clarke was contingent leader and Camp Commandant for the elite star 4 group which traveled to the rugged nature island of Dominica for their adventurous training camp. These 27 cadets were joined by 25 senior cadets from Dominica for this phase of the star 4 training program. The camp was held in Portsmouth at the Portsmouth Secondary School. Support from the Dominica Cadet Corps was nothing short of outstanding. From commandant Major Richards to all officers, cadets and it seemed the entire police force and residents were fully supportive. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit himself dropped in to pay an informal visit and said a few words of encouragement to the cadets.

Star 4 cadets were fascinated by the completely different terrain and vegetation  of Dominica. Key point of the exercise was a grueling  hike through unbelievable jungle vegetation to the very highest point on the island at an elevation of 4747 feet. In true star 4 style, the cadets started from sea level and climbed every foot. The tour managed to include a number of the remarkable natural wonders such as the freshwater lake at 2500 feet up in the clouds, the twin waterfalls and the city of Roseau.

The thing that stands out in all star 4 minds however remains the driving (skills?) of Dominican drivers. Our local ZR drivers are tame....

SLt Robert Morris was contingent commander of the 50 sea cadets that set out for Antigua to experience their second such summer camp. Half of this contingent had the unique experience of traveling by coast Guard ship 'Trident' while the other traveled by air. The mission of the SCU was to integrate with the new sea unit of the Antigua Cadet Force and to assist that unit by sharing experience and training.

For full reports and first hand experiences, keep checking this site as reports are received.

Capt Clarke lays down the rules...