Cadet support is out in force for training

Jul 17 2009 by Yonnie McInnes

EVERY youth organisation is only as good as the volunteer adults that give up their time to run it.

Although the Army Cadet Force receives a good proportion of its funding from the Army, it is still a voluntary youth organisation that is not part of the Army.

Around 30 adults from around the battalion area were recently at their training centre in Ayr to brush up on their youth work skills.

Lessons varied from values and standards to dyslexia within the ACF.

Other subjects covered were Duty and Care from the Children's Act; Accident Reporting Procedures; and even financial accounting at individual detachments.

But it was not all hard work, as The Old Comrades Club in the Seaforth Road Territorial Army Centre invited all to unwind there on the Saturday evening.

A quiz, horse racing, and a domino tournament, along with an excellent buffet, was laid on. Through these competitions and donations £120 was raised and is now with 'Help for Heroes'.

Sergeant Blestoe, who runs the detachment in Dalmellington, said: “The weekend has given me extra skills and knowledge that will help me run a better youth group for young people. We provide a structured proficiency scheme, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and many other vocational qualifications for young people between the ages of 12 to 18 years.”