1:31pm Friday 21st December 2007
After the success of the first weekend at Blackland Farm in January, 1921 (Lewisham) Squadron of the Air Cadets returned to spend their Christmas camp trying a range of exciting adventure training activities.
The cadets, all ranging from between 13 and 18-years-old, had the opportunity to traverse the indoor climbing wall, abseil down a 10-metre tower, hurtle down a long zip wire above the trees, compete in the crate challenge and complete a low ropes endurance course.
Commanding officer Flt Lt Caroline Tracey said: "The emphasis of these weekends is on teamwork and overcoming personal challenges whilst having bags of fun.
"This is the second time we have been to Blacklands so we opted for a couple of new activities - building a tower of crates as tall as possible and skimming along a low ropes course as fast as possible, both of which certainly met our criteria for these weekends - there were lots of smile and even more laughs!"
Even though the rain came down on the Sunday, it wasn't enough to dampen the spirts of these high flying cadets.
Cadet Jake Dinnadge, 16, said: "I can't believe I did the abseiling! I am terrified of heights but the staff and cadets convinced me to give it a go by cheering me on."
Cadet Michael Faust, 13, added: "I had a brilliant time this weekend, I've never done anything like this before but I will certainly be putting myself forward for the next camp."
The staff and cadets are hoping to return to Blacklands in the warmer weather next year so they can sample some of the water-based activities on offer.
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