camps & visits
Theres no better way to find out more about how the wider RAF operates than to visit bases and see them in action. 1409 Squadron takes part in camps at RAF bases through out the year, from Squadron organised training on Defence Training Ranges, to week long camps at operational RAF stations.
There are many different camps for cadets to go on in the ATC. All squadrons are allocated paces for their cadets to attend an annual camp on a Royal Air Force station, so there’s usually a mix of units attending. We also give cadets the opportunity to visit overseas camps at RAF stations in Cyprus, or take part in the International Air Cadet Exchange. You could visit anywhere from India to the USA. These are a lot of fun, and last a week or two.
annual camps
Every year, Air Cadets from around the Wing are given the opportunity to attend a Camp on an operational RAF station, anywhere in the United Kingdom. These camps usually take place during the school Easter, Summer and Autumn holiday periods so they won’t interfere with cadets’ schooling.
RAF Station camps aim to show cadets what life is like in the Royal Air Force and allows the cadets to experience what is like to live on an RAF Station. They are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people as cadets attend from lots of different Squadrons and Wings. Often, cadets have the chance to fly in service aircraft such as a Chinook heavy lift helicopter or a C-17 Globemaster heavy lift transport aircraft.
Typical activities on an annual camp include:
- Air Experience Flying
- Shooting
- Leadership and command tasks
- Fieldcraft training and exercises
- Drill and ceremonial training
- Section visits around the station to key functional areas such as Air Traffic Control
- Social activities such as bowling, go-karting and parties as well as visits to local attractions such as theme parks
