Cadets Promotions Camp

From 5 to 7 December 2020, 26 MLC School cadets in Year 10, a part of the Newington College Cadet Unit, travelled to Colo Valley for a two-night cadet camp in order to be promoted to the rank of a Sergeant. This camp allowed us to develop numerous leadership and physical skills we would require to lead cadets in Year 9 and Year 10 for the 2021 annual camp. 

On the first day, we split into four syndicates of boys and girls and, alongside a Cadet Officer (teacher), we navigated ourselves across a valley using compasses and maps to Ropes Campground. Once we reached ropes, we proceeded to set up our hutchies (a tent made out of tarps and poles) and did activities around the campfire. The next day, we completed a longer hike independent of teachers across two valleys. During this trek, we used radios to radio our location to teachers at different stations, we worked together as a team to work out an appropriate path to take and supported each other to continue the trek. Although this was difficult at times, the amount of respect I’ve gained for my fellow cadets who completed this camp has resulted in new friendships and a deeper understanding of what a true leader is and how different types of leadership played out. 

That afternoon we were able to celebrate the day and our achievements by a swim in the Colo River, a barbecue for dinner and a series of puzzles we worked out during the night navigation. The final day began with waking up Major Woods, the head of the Newington Cadet Unit, by singing ‘In the Jungle’ before proceeding our hike to Somerset Campground, where we were given challenges including raft building and we completed drill exercises. 

We were so grateful to be a part of the first MLC School-Newington Cadet camp and put the skills we learn each fortnight at Newington to practical use. The opportunity for peer leadership, using geographical skills and being able to meet new friends during such a supportive environment has left me and the rest of the MLC School cadets ecstatic for the camps in 2021. 

– Sarah (Year 11)