Air Force Cadets Bivouac

During the school holidays our Air Force Cadet students participated in a bivouac, a key part of Cadet training, involving three days of exercises to build skills and apply their theory in real life settings. Here, Year 8’s Madison reflects on the experience.

On 10 April, SCEGGS and Sydney Grammar Air Force cadets had the opportunity to go on bivouac. We met at Sydney Grammar and took a bus to Douglas Park. From there we walked into the park and were briefed and then headed to our campsites.

Once we were there, we set up our tents and had dinner, which was for some of us ravioli or chicken and corn, both in a can. Our section leaders then set up the fire. For all three nights, we had the option to Picket, which is just staying up late at night talking with your friends.

On the second day, we were given some coordinates for checkpoints, and we were to find them. We also had to correctly waylay (identify) other sections without being seen. At lunch, we walked to a clearing where a helicopter landed, and plenty of cadets and staff got photos. We also ate the other can we were given. After lunch, we finished completing the checkpoints.

On the third day, we left our campsites and played a day-long capture the flag. We had to create an area in the bush with natural resources. We were also given some rope and a tarp. After this, we were given a flag and some of us were sent to look for the other flights’ bases. My section was also sent to complete a vehicle checkpoint, which was really fun. Then, we ate lunch, which consisted of more cans. We continued playing capture the flag late into the night.

On our last day, we packed everything up, and then my section went to HQ to help staff pack up there. After that, we had a ceremony for awards, and my flight won ‘Best Flight’. On the way home, some people slept, but the majority were talking and being social. Then, when we got back, we cleaned cars and were given some food that wasn’t eaten at camp.

Overall, it was a really fun experience, and I would totally do it again.

Madison Scheuboeck
Year 8