254 Goes Back to the Basics

This past Wednesday was a great day for the Corps.  We decided that we would go back to the basics.  Our Cadets learned how to make fire, chop and saw wood, read a map, fire a pellet rifle, tie knots, and service a lantern and camp stove.  Under the guidance of Mr Eric Kershaw, WO Allie Martin showed her fire making skills and Sgt Jessica Ugwoke demonstrated the proper technique of chopping wood with an axe and sawing logs with a bucksaw.  In our Tent City, Sgt Maggie Mills taught the basics of map reading.  Sgt Luke Fawson and Sgt Eric Sweetapple introduced their platoon to the Coleman two burner stove and the single mantle lantern. Sgt Greyson Corbett-Lumb showed us his skill with a rope as he introduced our Cadets to a number of basic knots and lashings.  The highlight of the day was a device that everyone young and old enjoys.  A bicycle.  Thanks to the Expedition Centre of the Regional Cadet Support Unit Atlantic, Captain Tony Isaacs was able to pick up 30 bicycles for our Cadets to use.  With the assistance of WO Luca Graham, Sgt Cameron Stephens, and Sgt Masha Palagina our Cadets were treated to a good old-fashioned bicycle ride.  Of course, in the 254 nobody is left behind.  Mr Kim Walsh, our Athletic Director, gathered the Cadets who had never ridden a bike before and gave them some practical instruction.  In this day and age, we all look for the latest app for our phones or the most up to date game on our devices.  To me, these pale in comparison to a nice bike ride. 

Another day in the fresh air and a great day to be a Cadet in the 254.