This year’s annual camps provided unforgettable experiences for our region’s Sea Cadets, Royal Marine Cadets, RAF Air Cadets and Army Cadets.
Annual camps are one of the highlights of the cadet calendar. They offer members of every cadet force the chance to learn new skills whilst enjoying training, teamwork and adventure.
We’ve featured just some of the highlights from 2026 annual camp below.
Army Cadets
Army Cadet Forces (ACFs) from across the region enjoyed learning invaluable skills in a fun environment. Camps gave them the opportunity to take part in army cadet syllabus activities such as fieldcraft, skill at arms and navigation.
Cadets were able to take part in a range of activities from kayaking and paddleboarding to paintball and motor biking. There were also visits from Operation Ice Cream to keep cadets and adult volunteers cool and happy.
The camps also welcomed visitors who were able to share in the experiences and recognise the contributions of both cadets and adult volunteers.
The Essex ACF camp was visited by Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People. The Minister was joined by Brigadier Gary McDade, Deputy Commander Cadets; and Colonel Ashley Fulford OBE, National Colonel Cadets. Colonel Leona Barr-Jones, Chief Executive of East Anglia RFCA, also took the opportunity to visit the annual camps, experiencing some of the activities first-hand!
RAF Air Cadets
Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Air Cadets enjoyed an action-packed annual camp at RAF Benson. During the week cadets threw themselves into a huge range of activities, from building and launching rockets to tackling the low ropes course. They also gained an insight into the people, aircraft and capabilities that make RAF Benson so important to the RAF.
The highlight of the week for many of the cadets was the opportunity for cadets to fly in one of the RAF’s Chinook helicopters. The opportunity to get up close with one of these iconic aircraft was a unique experience.
Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing Air Cadets enjoyed an unforgettable week at RAF Boulmer. Highlights included discovering the art of camouflage and concealment, and the much anticipated camp awards ceremony!
Sea Cadets
Beccles and Lowestoft Sea Cadets enjoyed a range of waterborne activities during camp, from rowing and sailing to powerboating and canoeing. Cadets were able to build their confidence on the water and work towards nationally recognised qualifications.
South East District Officer Lt Cdr Mark Janner-Burgess said: “I had the pleasure of instructing cadets in rowing aboard a Trinity 500 boat, helping them develop technique, teamwork, and resilience on the water. It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm, determination, and camaraderie displayed by every cadet. A huge well done to all the cadets and volunteers making this such a rewarding and memorable experience.”
East Anglia RFCA would like to say a huge thank you to all of the adult volunteers whose hard work and dedication makes annual camps possible. You can find more information about becoming a cadet or an adult volunteer in our region here.
Here is a selection of further images from this year’s annual camps.
