Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => General Chat => Topic started by: cerbera147 on May 13, 2011
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I was looking into the Duke of Edinburgh Award for my son but it would appear you have to do it with a club; Scouts, BB, etc.
Then I saw Army Cadets was on the list of 'Operating Authorities'. What 12yo boy would pass up the chance of shooting, camping, etc.? :D We had a chat about it and he seems up for it. Although on their website a cadet was asked what their least favourite part was. His reply something about getting up at 6:30 to make your bed, etc. before inspection :o
Just wondering if anyone else has kids in the Army Cadets or have personal experience? I think it will do any child the world of good. Sense of belonging, real life skills and a huge confidence builder :)
Which I'd done something similiar as child :-\
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A friend's son is in the cadets, he seems to enjoy it, best bit is they get some very cheap trips away as they are well subsidised ;)
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They receive a free uniform all they have to get is their boots :D
On joining the Army Cadet Force as a cadet you would be issued with a uniform and any equipment necessary to carry out your training. All you need to buy is a good pair of boots.
Charges can vary between detachments, some will ask cadets to pay a small sub on attendance but not always. The only other cost is the price of a pair of boots! If you participate in the Annual Summer camp there is normally a small fee of approximately £65-£80 for 2 weeks.
Not bad at all :)
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I was in it for 7years. Best club out there hands down! What detachment are you going to join? fire away if you have any questions.
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Well I'm a bit pi$$ed >:(
Finally got through to the number I was asked to call on their brochure they sent out.
'How old is your son?' they say
'He's just turned 12' I say
'Oh he's too young. He has to be 12 and 9 months' they say.
WTF?? ?? ??
The website says over 12 years old and in Year 8 at school; he meets both criteria so what's going on?
And why 12 years and 9 months? At 12 years and 8 months are they no good but bang on the 9th month they're good to go ??? ::)
Un-flippin'-believable >:( >:(
Now I get to explain to him that he's too young and has to wait until next February :-\ What a joke!! The reason we looked at the Army Cadets was because it was for 12 year olds; the ATC was 13 so we didn't even look at it.
The lady I was talking wasn't particularly helpful anyway; just said the website is wrong, well duh. Then fix it!! Thought she might have at least invited us to our local detachment to see what it was about.
Now to write a strongly worded letter of complaint.
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I run DOFE awards in my youth club, I am also aware that some schools run the awards too.
You could maybe call head office and ask them, they are normally quite helpful and will guide you to the nearest recommended body.
28 Wellington Park
Belfast, County Antrim BT9 6DL
028 9050 955
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Where are you based? I remember originally I was too young to join but the detachment commander just let me in anyway. Things may have changed slightly from then though! Go along what ever night they meet and see if they'll allow it.
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I remember applying to be an adult instructor, I sent the forms back 5 times until I hot fed up, they wouldn't accept that the address I lived at was where I lived. The women I spoke to said I had to fill in all parts but when I explained that part 7 was part of my address she disagreed, I got fed up in the end and binned it. I have a friend whonis an instructor and has been for some time. I will try to get him to give u a shout if you want.
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Where are you based? I remember originally I was too young to join but the detachment commander just let me in anyway. Things may have changed slightly from then though! Go along what ever night they meet and see if they'll allow it.
I am based in Ards. You can do courses online on the DOFE website and then you can facilitate the courses. Then when you do your practice and proper expeditions then you can get an approved DOFE instructor to assess it. They also have courses running each year to be able to become an assessor. Check with head office when they run.
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Thanks for the advice, 'tis much appreciated :)
Greyfox, that would be great if possible. I'm in Larne; pretty sure they meet at Dixon Hall in Drains Bay, not sure which nights though.
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A great organisation for kids.
I was in it when I was a teenager (many many moons ago) and then was an adult instructor for awhile.
Would recommend it for any teenager who has a mind to get out and enjoy.