Activities
The Air Training Corps actively encourages the provision of exciting and useful activities in order to fulfil its three main aims and most of these activities are provided free of charge as they are heavily subsidised by the RAF.
The range of activities are huge, but the main activities are described below.
Flying and Gliding
The
most important activity in the Air Training Corps is the Flying and Gliding
which is on offer. Cadets can get several flights per year in a mixture of
powered light aircraft, powered gliders, unpowered gliders and other RAF
aircraft. Cadets also have opportunities to gain gliding and flying
scholarships, as well as become a staff cadet on a gliding squadron.To learn more about flying with 2158 (Sevenoaks) Squadron please get in touch.
Shooting
Shooting is another activity which is subsidised by the RAF, and thus completely free to the cadets. Each cadet has the opportunity to fire 3 different rifles throughout their cadet career and are taught a complete course of weapons safety before handling a rifle. Marksmanship is a skill practised often at 2158 (Sevenoaks) Squadron as we have a small range at the squadron, and also visit local ranges. Please get in touch to learn more about shooting.
Adventure Training
Adventure training is one of the most varied activities in the ATC. Cadets have the opportunity to participate in many outdoor activities and all are led by adult staff with appropriate National Governing Body qualifications. At 2158 (Sevenoaks) Squadron, we current have staff who are Basic Expedition Leader Award qualified, Mountain Leader trained, Single Pitch Award qualified, British Canoe Union Coaches. Activities include: Caving, Climbing, Hill Walking, Kayaking, Parachuting, Mountain Biking, and much, much more!
Fieldcraft
Fieldcraft
is the art of living outside in a 'tactical' military fashion; being able to
keep yourself warm, dry and functional while at the same time being able to
carry out complex tasks and missions. It includes camouflage & concealment,
shelter building, cooking and eating in the field plus many other subjects.
Cadets at 2158 (Sevenoaks) Squadron get to participate in a variety of
fieldcraft exercises throughout the year.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Air Cadet Organisation is the largest operating authority in the UK for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. All cadets get the opportunity to complete their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards at the squadron. To read more about the details of the award scheme visit the Duke of Edinburgh website which has a wide variety of information on the award. The award is valued by schools and employers alike as an indicator of an individual's willingness to operate outside of their comfort zone.
Camps
Air
Cadets across the country have the opportunity to attend camps run at Squadron,
Wing, Regional and Corps Level. Camps allow cadets to see how the RAF works, it teaches them skills, and encourages them to enjoy various adventure training activities. These camps can be held overseas in addition to being held in this country.
Ceremonial
Ceremonial
activities are a feature of all military organisations, and the Air Cadets are
no exception. 2158 (Sevenoaks) Squadron is often called upon for parades,
ceremonies and other occasions.
Fundraising
2158 (Sevenoaks) Squadron also raises funds for charities wherever possible, and some of our young people are responsible for organising this. Every year we raise money for the Royal British Legion, and assist many other charities around the Sevenoaks area.
Cadets participate in regular sports evenings at the squadron where we play a range of team sports including football, volleyball and rounders. There is also the opportunity for cadets to participate in sporting events at local and national levels within the ATC, this includes; netball, football, rugby, athletics, swimming, cross country and hockey. Additionally, at Sevenoaks cadets will get to experience archery and clay pigeon shooting.
Interest Visits
Cadets regularly have the opportunity to discover new things in interest visits this includes;
- MoD police dog demonstrations
- Met police air support unit
- Kent police firearms unit
- Several British armed forces presentations
- Regular visits to the Imperial War Museum
- Duxford and Cosford Air Museum