Nearly a 100 Cadets from Squadrons and Combined Force Cadets units within South & West Yorkshire Wing successfully completed a pioneering Astra themed multi-course training camp at RAF Wittering in April. This landmark event, the first of its kind for the Wing, immersed cadets in the challenging STEM, air, space, and cyber components of the RAF Air Cadets' progressive training syllabus.
Hosted at RAF Wittering's Cadet Training Centre, the weekend was designed to equip cadets with advanced, practical skills crucial for navigating an increasingly technology-driven and cyber-focused world. Throughout the weekend, cadets engaged in courses including radio communications, cyber security, space operations, aviation ground training and sports leadership, gaining valuable practical experience and knowledge to meet the challenges of modern technology. This unique training opportunity represents a significant advancement in the Wing's commitment to delivering cutting-edge training to our Cadets while fostering essential leadership skills.
One of the core offerings was the bronze radio communications course, which delved into radio wave propagation, free and directed radio networks and concepts such as transmission security. Cadets completed both theoretical exams and live practical radio assessments, reinforcing their understanding of secure, real-world communications.
Cyber was another course on offer. The bronze cyber course gave cadets a comprehensive grounding in digital skills. Topics included malware identification, network protection, password management and two-factor authentication, with a strong emphasis on online safety and ethical computing. The course fostered a critical awareness of the ever-evolving cyber landscape and prepared cadets in the responsible use of technology.
Equally hands-on was the blue ground school training, part of the blue aviation badge requirements. This practical course introduced cadets to the fundamentals of flight using a high-tech simulator. Each participant navigated a full flight circuit, practicing take-off, in-flight manoeuvres, and landing while mastering control surfaces and throttle handling. The experience provided valuable insight into aviation principles.
The camp also hosted the Wing’s first-ever bronze space course, which explored the science and strategy behind space operations. Cadets studied a variety of subjects including the history of rocketry, propulsion systems and threats to satellites. A highlight of the course was a practical activity involving Mars rovers. Cadets built and programmed robotic models, putting their scientific knowledge to the test through challenges that assessed their engineering ability and teamworking skills. All participating cadets successfully completed the course, an exceptional outcome for this inaugural run. Cadet Corporal Anilkumar from 127 (Wakefield) Squadron shared the enthusiasm:
“I recently completed the bronze space course and found it a fascinating and rewarding experience. The content was detailed and well-explained, covering a wide range of space-related topics that really sparked my interest. What stood out most was the practical element - it made the learning much more engaging and helped bring the theory to life. I’d highly recommend the course to anyone interested in space, science, or STEM in general.”
Cdt Cpl Anilkumar
127 (Wakefield) Squadron
As part of South & West Yorkshire Wing's Astra camp, North Region hosted a pilot programme, delivering the level 1 qualification in sports leadership. Led by Flying Officer Kirsty Atkins, Sports Officer for South & West Yorkshire Wing and supported by instructors from across the North Region, the course prepared cadets to lead and deliver sports sessions at their squadrons. After attending three preparatory online sessions, cadets undertook an assessment over the weekend by planning and delivering team games and demonstrating leadership under supervision.
Flying Officer Kirsty Atkins praised the cadets' dedication:
“I was incredibly impressed with the dedication of the cadets who attended the course. They were a great cohort who clearly had a keen interest in sport and worked well together over the weekend. We had a 100% assessment pass rate which is testament to their hard work. I’m keen to hear how our sports leaders will use their new qualifications on squadron and look forward to being able to deliver our first course at a Wing level.”
Fg Off Atkins
Sports Officer, South & West Yorkshire Wing
The course also welcomed a visit from Wing Commander Kat Barton, Officer Commanding South & West Yorkshire Wing, who observed training across all courses and participated in the camp’s final parade. The event concluded with a formal presentation of certificates by Wing Commander Barton, who reflected on the achievement and spirit of the weekend.
“I was immensely proud of all the Cadets for their dedication to learning over the weekend. With nearly 100 Cadets attending, it was clear that they valued the opportunities we offered on our first ASTRA themed camp. This course captured the imagination and ambition of our young people from CCF units and ATC Squadrons across the Wing and offered them some fantastic opportunities. A heartfelt thank you goes to Flying Officer Alex Robson for leading the organisation of the weekend, as well as Flying Officer Kirsty Atkins and Flying Officer Dylan Degman for their drive, expertly developing and delivering their respective course areas and all the other directing staff who made this vision a reality. This collaboration of Wing Staff Officers and personnel across the region sharing their different areas of expertise allowed us to maximise our offering to cadets whilst getting the very best use of our resources. This is exactly the type of teamwork we will continue to showcase as a Wing to ensure we deliver the very best for cadets across the region.”
Wing Commander Kat Barton
Officer Commanding South & West Yorkshire Wing
Flying Officer Robson, the event’s architect, shared his pride in the camp’s success: “I first had the vision of running an Astra-focused camp early last year. Since then, a lot of planning has gone into making the weekend such a success! I must say a huge thank you to all the staff for giving up their time to help make the camp the success it was.”
For many cadets, the event offered a first taste of specialist training, leadership development, and innovative subject areas. Cadet Harry Mills from 218 (Rotherham) Squadron summed up the experience: “For me the camp was truly fantastic and in particular my course, the Level 1 Sport Leadership, was amazingly well run and thought out.”
The success of this ASTRA Camp paves the way for more initiatives across the Wing and signals our ongoing commitment to blending innovation with adventure, setting young people up for success. Being a member of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets offers young people unmatched opportunities to develop leadership, confidence, and technical skills through a wide variety of activities including flying, fieldcraft, adventure training, cyber, radio, space, and much more.