Gibraltar Air Cadets Attend RAF Activity Camp
Ten Gibraltar Air Cadets and three staff members took part in an annual multi-activity camp at RAF Odiham from 21st to 28th August.
A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:
From 21 to 28 August 2026, 10 cadets and 3 staff members from No. 2 Overseas (Gibraltar) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) took part in the Central and East Region Annual Multi Activity Camp at RAF Odiham, home of the RAF’s Chinook Force.
This year’s camp offered cadets a unique opportunity to develop new skills, build friendships, and gain insight into RAF life. The Gibraltar cadets were the first to arrive, and as other units joined, the atmosphere quickly grew warm and welcoming, sparking a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork from the very start.
Cadet Corporal Karl Prescott said, “Going to this camp my standards were set quite high... I realised that this camp was going to surpass my expectations, which it did. This camp was amazing and I would give up the world to experience it again.”
Throughout the week, cadets took part in a wide range of activities including working in groups, leadership development, STEM challenges, survival training, and drill practice. These sessions were designed to build confidence, communication, and teamwork skills essential for future success.
Cadet Mark Bolton shared, “My camp experience consisted of a variety of daily activities... which enabled everyone to make new friends among the other cadets, and multiple memorable moments.”
Visits to RAF Odiham’s key sections, including the Armoury, Mechanical Transport, and Fire and Rescue, gave cadets a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork and roles that keep the station operational.
The leadership and professional development sessions encouraged cadets to step outside their comfort zones, challenging them to communicate effectively, work with new people and develop their confidence. All in the effort of building future key life skills and developing their own leadership abilities.
A standout trip was the visit to Brooklands Museum, where cadets explored Britain’s rich aviation history, including stepping inside the iconic Concorde and viewing historic aircraft such as the Hawker Hurricane.
Cadet Hollie Aquilina said, “My favourite part of camp was meeting so many new people... and the highlight for me was seeing the Chinook engine, which inspired me to want to pursue a future in engineering with the RAF.”
Cadet Elisa Goodwin said, “The station visits were my favourite part, as they gave me a better insight into life in the RAF and the different opportunities available.”
However, the pinnacle of the camp was the Air Experience Flight, where cadets were given the extraordinary opportunity to fly in a Chinook helicopter. This unforgettable experience allowed them to witness firsthand the remarkable engineering and teamwork involved in operating one of the RAF’s most iconic aircraft. For many, the flight transformed their understanding of aviation and inspired ambitions to pursue careers in the Royal Air Force. The chance to see the Chinook in action, hear from the flight crew, and feel the power of the helicopter in flight left a lasting impression on all who took part.
Cadet Aarav Sahajwani Kemla said, “The Chinook flight was the best experience I have ever had... It strengthened my ambition to become an RAF pilot.”
The camp concluded with an awards ceremony recognising cadets’ commitment and personal growth, followed by an end-of-camp party celebrating the friendships and memories formed throughout the week.
Cadet FS Anthony Macedo added, “This camp has expanded my understanding of different roles... and challenged my ability to lead and overcome obstacles.”
Cadet Sergeant Jack De La Rosa reflected, “From the moment I had arrived at camp, I wanted to make the most of every opportunity... What I have taken from Odiham will not stay at Odiham; I’ll carry these experiences forever forward.”
After a memorable and challenging week, the Gibraltar Air Cadet Squadron departed RAF Odiham with greater confidence, gratitude, and experiences that will continue to shape their futures. As they said, it was not goodbye, but a “see you soon” to the friends and memories made, with hopes that their paths will cross again soon.
