Moving forward: a Sea Cadet in the New Age

When visiting the Sea Cadets, I walked into a very large room which used to be the canteen/hall of the Sally Line ferry service. There is a feeling in the room, energy in the air, anticipation for the evening’s events.

The challenges are for those who are looking for the next step in their training and bid to learn new skills. Gaining confidence in one's ability to learn with fun and others of the same mind.

The cadets I have seen put the effort into uniform preparation, and they look ready for action. Smart! Here is an opportunity to prove to themselves that they have gained and learnt new skills which will aid their development in a safe and fun way.

How did this all start? I found out that in 1854, when a vicar from Whitstable returned home after the Crimean War, he became aware of all the orphans resulting from the conflict and found a way to start a group called the “Navel Lads Brigade”.

There were many orphans after the war. It was a lean time for all. The Brigade was seen as a way to help orphans start training in crafts that would enable them to have a skill, earn a wage and feed and clothe themselves. Also, they could work with others and form a bond which enabled them in many ways to become part of society and lead a better life.

Today, there is schooling from an early age and has been for many years and children are cared for in many ways. The path taken at an early age may help a young person to develop. There are many who take up sport and different clubs are available covering many different ways of life. We are lucky to have such choices.

Today's Sea Cadets also include girls; this enables boys and girls to work together and allows for the development and interaction between cadets. Learning to work with the opposite sex builds confidence and understanding for the team, a sure way to have a good time.

Today’s cadets are able to improve the quality of their lives by learning in a fun, safe and exciting group of like-minded youngsters.

Camaraderie is a learnt skill I feel, where working together enables the cadets to become more confident with new learnt skills taught with the training. The training gives the cadets the ability to gain confidence and deal with everyday challenges and develop their inner strength.

Here is a mind-blowing list of all the opportunities available to those who are looking for a more interesting, different experience and the adventures on offer as the cadets work through the courses on offer.

It's not all on water there is rowing but also mountain biking and cooking. They are all a skill to gain if you have never tried learning them before. The following is a brief outline of what can be on offer to a cadet who's willing and wants to try a more adventurous way of life in their teenage years.

Written by:
Councillor Barbara Young
Councillor for Pegwell Ward