Throughout my sixth form life CCF has provided me with an unrivalled escape from school life. I was first attracted to CCF because of the seemingly awesome uniform that I later discovered to be pretty unattractive. This proved to be the least of my worries. CCF field days: well what can I say? You’ll be cold, you’ll be tired and you’ll probably develop a very strong desire to shower but never will you have more fun sleeping outside. Field days are the highlight of the CCF year, being able to plaster your face in ‘Max-Factor’ camouflage paint is a favourite activity of mine. Some tend to develop a common illness commonly referred to as Rambo fever.
Last summer four girls from HMSG were given the chance to go on Summer camp. An experience I was lucky enough to take part in. On 3rd July 2010, the four of us arrived carrying four of the biggest bags you’ve ever seen and that was just for make-up. I have never been quite so terrified to arrive at Monmouth school, 28 boys presented themselves as well as a very eager Mr McQuitty. The first thought to enter my mind was “This is going to be a VERY long week” How wrong I was. The times we slept on forest floors, had no showers, and had to walk 3 miles just to get breakfast are in the past and I can honestly say I miss them.
Meg (Year 13)
Cam cream, rifles, and rations.
I have been a member of The Monmouth Schools’ Combined Cadet Force for over a year and so far have learnt an incredible amount. Not only can I march in time and construct a habitable shelter from a sheet of canvas, but I can tend to an unconscious casualty and strip, clean, re-assemble and fire an SA80, with fairly considerable accuracy.
The uniform presented itself to be the first challenge, considering the colossal boots, trousers that would fit Shrek and a beret that only with many gallons of hot and cold water and several failed attempts, would fit to my head with anything remotely resembling dignity. So after mastering the uniform, we felt capable of anything. Since passing our weapons handling and first aid tests we have visited Nescliffe Camp twice for field days, the highlight of my CCF career so far. This year I was an NCO, leading a troop of 12 boys and girls quad biking, air rifle shooting and climbing, to name but a few of the activities.
I can honestly say that from the CCF I have gained many things; leadership and patience from commanding several teenage boys; classic and rather weird memories with new and old friends; and, after surviving for days on end without sight of a shower or a bed, belief that nothing can beat us, as long as we are adequately made up (ie green) and we haven’t left the boiled sweets at the bottom of our bags.
Sarah (Year 13)