CDT/SGT Josh Stork has been selected by the Army to attend a training programme in Canada.
Josh, who is currently studying A-levels at Adams’ Grammar School, has been an active member of the school’s CCF Army section since year eight, progressing through the ranks to Sergeant.
He was encouraged to apply for the summer course at Alberta’s Rocky Mountain National Cadet Summer Training Centre by his Officer Commanding, Captain Matthew Garthwaite, but didn’t expect to hear anything more as the number of applications always greatly outweigh the number of places available.
Josh explained: “I am really excited and feel very privileged to have been chosen for the Army’s Leadership and Challenge course.
“I will be one of just twelve UK cadets to attend the course in Canada, alongside 180 Canadian cadets and representatives from Germany, France and the United States. I feel incredibly lucky. It is a full six-week course and I can’t wait to get started.”
The Leadership and Challenge Course is run by The Royal Canadian Army Cadets and focuses on developing individual qualities such as self-confidence, initiative and the ability to relate to others, and make and take responsibility for decisions.
Josh continued: “The six weeks of training will be conducted within the boundaries of Alberta and British Columbia Provincial Parks and Banff National Park, an area that covers 4,000 sq kms.
“A good fitness level is key as I will be required to do a number of activities including alpine trekking, glacier training, rock climbing, canoeing, horseback training and mountain biking.”
Captain Matthew Garthwaite said he was proud of Josh’s achievement, adding: “Thousands of cadets have completed this course since its inception in 1948 and being selected to attend this prestigious and highly rewarding advanced training opportunity is a testament to Josh’s dedication, commitment and ability as an Army Cadet.”
If you know a young person interested in becoming a cadet, visit http://combinedcadetforce.org.uk
