Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans for all Combined Cadet Force units to have representation at its summer camp in 2024.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) delivers a broad and exciting programme to pupils in schools throughout the year. It is recognised that the highlight for many pupils is attendance at a summer training or activity camp, with many of these delivered by the single Service Cadet Teams. There is a limit to the number of cadets that can participate in annual summer camps, and we do not aim to provide every cadet with a place on summer camp every year.

Furthermore, global events in recent years have reduced the availability of the Ministry of Defence’s training estate for all cadet activity, not just the CCF. The single Services work hard to ameliorate this by seeking alternative opportunities where possible, and many thousands of cadets continue to take part in centrally delivered camps and training over the summer, with the Army alone providing up to 12,000 cadet places in their camps annually.

Of note, in 2023, of the 12,000 spaces offered over a three-week period, only approximately 9,500 spaces were taken up. This was partly because schools have limited windows of availability and tend to vie for the same time, which cannot be matched with available real-estate or training team assets. We continue to refine the model by standardising the experience from across the different regions and adopting best practice. For instance, over the next few years we will look to combine Cadet Training Teams and other resources to create a ‘super camp’ concept to deliver activities more efficiently and create more spaces for cadets to participate.

Additionally, CCF Contingents can plan and deliver their own annual camp if they wish to and may be funded to do so. Contingents may receive support via subject matter expert guidance in planning and assuring the activities and may also be supported financially in areas such as transport booking, and in equipment and resources required to deliver the training package. Many school-based Contingents choose to deliver this option annually and provide exciting and challenging activities for their cadets.

Other than centralised camps, there are many other summer camp opportunities for cadets in the CCF including adventurous training through the Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training. Music and Cyber camps are also available for CCF cadets to attend if that is where their interest lies.