Adventure

CCF: Army

After the frustrations of lockdown, September brought a welcome return to Tuesday evening parades at college and the re-opening of military training areas for field days. In October, the Army Section conducted its largest ever field day with 95 Third Year cadets and 15 Sixth Form NCOs. Exercise Chameleon took place on an Army training area at Aldershot, and focused on observing others while not being seen yourself. The programme comprised lessons and practise in personal camouflage and concealment, tactical movement and field signals, and observation and judging distance.

In November, 16 Army cadets were able to practice their live-firing on a sunny autumn day at Ash Ranges. The morning shoot comprised group and zero practice, followed by sight adjustment and a 5-round scored group at 100m, using deliberate rates of fire. Later in the afternoon, the cadets were able to experience rapid fire from the prone, sitting, and kneeling positions. In March, having completed their weapon handling tests, more than 30 Fourth Years took part in Exercise Striking Tiger, blank-firing the L98A2 rifle in a planned section-level ambush, engaging and suppressing an enemy patrol (Sixth Form NCOs), and practising pairs-fire-manoeuvre along a close-quarter battle (CQB) lane, operating as a two-person fire-team. In March, 10 senior cadets checked onto Longmoor Camp for the 11th Brigade Military Skills Competition. Ably led, by Sgt Major Holly Giles, our cadets operated as a section, organised as two fire teams. Issued with rifles and sustained on dinner from a 24hour Operational Ration Pack, the team bedded down in sleeping bags on the wooden floors of the spartan SF Base accommodation. Reveille at 0600, bergens packed, and ORP breakfasted, the team then patrolled out of the compound and around Longmoor Camp to complete seven one-hour scored activities: casevac (Casualty Evacuation), navigation, air rifle target shooting, command tasks, section attack (blank-firing), paintball CQB lane and shooting gallery, and radios. The cadets finished a superb second, out of 26 CCF and ACF teams in this prestigious regional competition. Two weeks later, eight cadets represented Churcher’s on a range day at Longmoor, having honed their marksmanship skills the Tuesday before, on the DCCT (Dismounted Close Combat Trainer) virtual range. The cadets were able to group and zero, then fire 20 rounds at 100m and 200m on the ETR (Electronic Target Range).

In June, our Third Year cadets put their year’s training into practice on Exercise Night Owl. Home comforts were left behind as cadets pitched and slept in their bashas, cooked with ORP, and met the challenges of personal and section field administration. Cadets planned and executed a nighttime recce patrol, followed by a light and noise demonstration. In the morning, after an ORP breakfast, the cadets constructed models in order to debrief the officers on their night’s activity and intelligence observations. During the year, our NCOs have been very busy helping run training for the younger cadets and completing military courses. Bo Texier, Elliott Davies, and Rory Hodges all completed their Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre courses.

CCF: Royal Navy

It has been another tremendous year for the Navy section. Our cadets have served with a huge amount of commitment and pride. Central to this, has been the contribution of our senior school cadets, who deserve a special mention, as it is their tireless and positive approach to planning and delivering excellence on a weekly basis that makes the unit the success that it is.

All members of the RN section are encouraged to come out of their comfort zones and lead various parts of the syllabus, including undertaking a lead role in the practical leadership activities. It is these opportunities that will prove incredibly valuable to the individuals as they progress through the school, and develop these outstanding leadership skills and values for the future.

Naval field days are a highlight for the cadets, and we were lucky enough to attend some brilliant outings, with the obstacle course and high ropes at HMS Collingwood testing the teamwork and communication skills to the full! The highlight for the field day outings, was undoubtedly taking the cadets on the water on a beautiful blue-skied summer’s day!

The naval cadets have amazing opportunities to take advantage of the camps and courses run by the Royal Navy. We encourage our cadets to attend these, particularly the leadership courses, and indeed, many of them do.

I would finally like to thank all of the Upper Sixth cadets who have now left the school, for their excellent contribution to the CCF over the years: Henry Tasker, Josiah Wilson, Matthew Wagstaff, and a special mention to Mark Childs who fronted the entire Churcher’s College CCF.

CCF: RAF

This year, the RAF section has still experienced the repercussions of the pandemic, with the opportunity to fly still not as readily available as it was pre-Covid. As flying is the main attraction for engaging new cadets, not being able to offer the opportunity has been a challenge. However, cadets have not been short on activities with which to engage on Tuesday night parades. They have been able to experience flying virtually on the new flight simulators donated by the PA last year, allowing them to enhance their flying skills in preparation for when they can, once again, visit Boscombe Down to experience the thrill of flying for real. The more recent tradition of pizza and Top Gun night, was carried on for the second year, where cadets enjoyed a night off to watch the classic aviator film. As well as activity packed evenings, the Third and Fourth Year cadets have also been working towards earning their part 1 and part 2 flying qualifications respectively, and were awarded these towards the end of the Spring Term.

The annual Remembrance Service in Petersfield, showcased the hard work the cadets put into the drill at the start of term. This was also replicated in the exceptional performance given during the school’s own Remembrance service.

The RAF section organised many field trips this year, the first of which, was a trip to the RAF Hendon Museum where they were able to view many aeroplanes from the past, including a Vulcan, and also try out the Red Arrow simulators. In May, the cadets had the opportunity to visit the RAF base in Odiham where they handled all the weapons in the armoury, including a mini gun. They also acted out a sea rescue, and were able to sit in the pilot seat of a Chinook. The next trip took the cadets to the iFly indoor skydiving in Basingstoke, and was followed by the challenge of WWII themed escape rooms. In the summer, the cadets put their leadership skills to the test as they took to the battlefields with paintballing and laser tag, making the most of the good summer weather.

In the final weeks of the school summer term, the RAF managed to have their first successful flying day of the year, providing hope for the cadets from the pandemic years, that they can experience more frequent flying opportunities in the future. Lily Bradbery U6

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The DofE year started with an enjoyable Silver final expedition for the new Fifth Year students on Exmoor, in fine weather. The teams climbed Dunkery Beacon, before finishing near the coast at Minehead. Later that term, two Fourth Year Bronze expeditions were held in the South Downs, followed by the most atrocious weather for the Lower Sixth’s Gold practice expedition in Snowdonia at half-term. Mount Snowdon was invisible due to thick cloud all week. After the first day and night of torrential rain and high winds, a next-day delivery of a complete set of new tents was required, as the weather had defeated all the old tents, but, fortunately, none of the spirits of the students, who came back declaring that they had had a great time!

In the Spring Term, we saw the first group of Third Years start their Bronze Award with a training day, a navigation hike, and then a May expedition in the South Downs. The Fourth Years headed to the New Forest for their Silver practice in June (one hiking boot lost to a bog!), and the Lower Sixth were back out for their Gold final expedition in the Lake District later in June, this time in good weather, which meant they could access all the high-level routes, including Helvellyn, Scafell Pyke, Skiddaw, Great Gable, etc. Our overall tally: losses = 30 tents, one rucksack, snack bars stolen by badgers, and one hiking boot swallowed by a bog; gains = character, resilience, teamwork skills, and life-long memories! A marvellous year!

Anne Harris

Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon

On Thursday 14 April, ahead of the Easter Weekend, our squad of 30 Lower Sixth paddlers, plus coaches and parent support crew (making up our largest school team ever!), travelled to Devizes for registration and kit check, ahead of the start of the marathon race early on Friday

15 April. At 7am, along with paddlers from other schools and clubs, our 15 K2 marathon kayak boats departed Devizes on their challenge. Day 1 covered 34 miles and 35 portages, followed by camping overnight at Newbury. Day 2 saw the paddlers travel 36 miles to Marlow for a second overnight camp, and the final day this year, saw the crews finish by paddling 38 miles to the finish line in Teddington. Supported by parents and staff along the route, all the paddlers successfully completed the marathon in style, with many recording excellent times: second place in the fastest junior team category and first in both the Junior Ladies Team and overall Schools’ Team categories.

Our true measure of success was focused on each individual boat and crew achieving their own personal goals in the marathon. From starting out as novice paddlers in October, where capsizes were aplenty into the chilly waters of the Basingstoke Canal, the crews trained exceptionally hard for six months, building up not only essential techniques, but also stamina, resilience, and team skills. The whole team deserve huge praise for their marvellous achievements. In an event where, over the last 70 years, only slightly more U18 pupils have completed the challenge than adults have climbed Mount Everest, this is no ordinary challenge and thus no small achievement. We were particularly delighted to out-paddle numerous rival schools, such as Lord Wandsworth College, Marlborough College, Dauntseys, Royal Hospital School, and Kimbolton, to win the Schools’ Team Trophy. But, it was in seeing all 30 paddlers glide down the course and across the finish line in style with smiles on their faces, that gave us the greatest sense of achievement and delight.

Andy Rowley

First Challenge

Croatia

Beginning in Split in the early hours, as our intrepid Fourth Years pitched their tents in a field of wild flowers on the banks of the Zrmanja River; the start of an adventure on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast which promised spectacular scenery, friendly locals and challenging trekking for our First Challenge teams. Over the course of the following 10 days, the groups enjoyed kayaking, wild camping and trekking. On to the mountain phase of the trip and Paklenica National Park where they had our first cool wildlife spot: a striking fire salamander. They conquered the Velabits in the snow and disappeared, deep into the gorges of the Velika (Great) Paklenica and the Mala (Small) Paklenica, discovering

houses carved into the landscape as a place to hide when the country was besieged. A last day was spent in Zadar with the teams exploring this small, but perfectly-formed coastal town. Everyone gathered for the sunset, and to listen to the haunting sounds of the ‘sea organ’. Penny Daniel

Norway

It was hard to imagine those struggling in the 40-degree heat wave in the UK as we paddled in the chilled crystal water of the fjord, offering our worn our feet some much needed relief during our four-day hike through the Setesdal Valley. We ascended mountains, strolled through forests and told endless riddles as we navigated our way through the beautiful Norwegian national park. Our bags were heavy, the terrain was rocky and cooking for 13 at the top of a mountain on a stove was definitely challenging but the group did an incredible job. Although the trek was perhaps the most challenging aspect of our trip and in many ways the most rewarding, we all thoroughly enjoyed our two-day canoe adventure along the River Otra. White water rafting was also a huge highlight for all, with many of us conquering our fears by taking part. Norway brought its fair share of challenges, including a few lost luggage issues, but the First Challengers maintained admirable attitudes throughout. The confidence and skills they developed over the 11 days was fascinating to observe. The Challengers persevered through the more challenging and uncertain times to help make the trip adventurous, fun-filled, enjoyable and full of laughter.

OSCA

Our 2021 intake of 125 Oscaneers have puzzled, thought, and performed their way through all the outdoor activities that have been presented to them. With the shadow of Covid behind us, OSCA has returned to its vigorous normality with a wide range of energetic activities designed to challenge and develop our Second Years.

As always, OSCA sessions have been filled with laughter and challenging surprise, as pupils have built chariots to fall off, tsunami towers to avoid ‘sharks’, lit campfires to avoid going hungry, and put up tents to survive the cold. No outdoor activity would be complete without orienteering to prevent themselves getting lost, nor the use of sharp knives to turn branches into cooking forks.

The three-day residential adventure activity in Dorset took the pupils further, by helping them to overcome fear of heights on high rope activities, teaching them how to shinny up a cliff face, abseiling back down (safely!), and instructing them on how to increase the speed of a large canoe, whilst coordinating paddling and working as a team. All the while, having the terrific adventure of being away with their friends for three glorious days! As ever, the gang returned from these activities full of high tales of derringdo, how they overcame adversity, and how much fun they had!

Julian Lucraft

Ten Tors

On the first weekend of the Easter holiday, the three Ten Tor Teams (two Fourth Year CCF cadets and one team of Lower Sixth pupils) travelled down to Dartmoor for the final compulsory training weekend, which included wild camping. The teams then returned to Dartmoor on Friday 6 May, to take part in the main event itself. Lining up on the start line at 0700 on Saturday morning, Churcher’s teams were excited and ready for the demanding challenge that lay ahead of them in this particularly special year, celebrating 60 years of the Ten Tors Challenge. In completing these long challenge distances, 35 miles for the Fourth Years and 45 for the Lower Sixth, carrying all the necessary kit and food independently of all staff, all three teams performed wonderful well. Navigation was of a very high standard, with the teams confidently planning and executing their own routes. Traversing Dartmoor and visiting the Tors on route is no normal hike, and considering the wild camp and heavy packs, we were all mightily impressed by the endurance and resilience of our teams. Although Ten Tors is most definitely not a race, crossing the finish line with extremely good times on Sunday means our three teams can rightly feel wonderfully proud of themselves for what they achieved.

Anne Harris

World Challenge

Peru and Bolivia

We touched down in Lima and were immediately immersed in the vibrant colours and expressive culture of Peru, with everyone excited to explore this incredible continent. Two groups of intrepid explorers spent time in a Quechua community, working on a building project and getting to know the local people. The trek phase

took us up into the Andes, hitting the dizzy heights of almost 5,000 metres, and walking in the footsteps of the Incas, whilst condors soared above. The majestic Machu Picchu was the reward; the jungle-covered mountains looming out of the mist and the ancient ‘ruins’ that still looked like they could house a group of weary teenagers, providing a truly jaw-dropping sight. Crossing the land border into Bolivia was an experience in itself, and what awaited was Lake Titicaca. This immense expanse of water felt more like an ocean and the groups met members of the Uros tribe who permanently inhabit the seventy floating reed islands. Our rest and relaxation phase saw us touring the Salt Flats, posing for perspectivealtering photos with dinosaurs and ‘tiny’ group members. Standing on volcanos in the dark, while the steam rushed past us was an experience none of us would forget. You know you have had an epic expedition when no one wants to go home.

Penny Daniel