Officer Cadets summer training offer the ultimate experience
University lectures may have been finished for the season, but the Yorkshire Officers’ Training Regiment (YOTR) continued their learning outside of the classroom. They were on location in Snowdonia National Park, Wales over the summer for Ex Northern Wanderer 24. The expedition aimed to successfully deliver and qualify officer cadets in the Summer Mountain Foundation course, Quality Mountain Days and Rock Climbing Foundation course.
Taking on new challenges
Thank you to SUOTC (University of Sheffield Officer Training Corps) OCdt (Officer Cadet) Lucy McGuinness who shares her experience participating in the rock climbing course:
Adventurous training is designed to take individuals outside of their comfort zone in a controlled environment without sacrificing the element of danger. The aim is to develop leadership skills, resilience, teamwork, physical fitness, and courage which are all required for excellent personnel.
During Exercise Northern Wanderer, we were pushed to our limits both mentally and physically. Each day we developed our climbing knowledge; learning about new knots such as the figure of eight and clove hitch as well as how to belay, rig the equipment, and the different techniques used when climbing.
Understanding leadership
We also solidified our understanding of what makes an excellent leader stand out from a good one. By pushing ourselves into uncomfortable positions, both in the figurative and literal sense such as spreading across the cliff like a starfish, or placing ourselves in mentally challenging situations, it enabled us to encourage one another to perform to a high standard.
As well as becoming better leaders, we also learned ways to push ourselves as individuals. We achieved this by using the acronym GRIP (Goal, Relax, Imagery, and Positive Self Talk). As the week went on, this became more important as we attempted more difficult climbs. Setting smaller goals and applying positive thinking were useful tools that enhanced our performance and personal achievements. In particular.
This Rock Climbing Adventurous Training experience created a comfortable environment for us all to learn and talk freely, giving each other encouragement, praise, and constructive criticism. This allowed us to learn from our weaknesses and build on our strengths. It not only improved our climbing knowledge and ability, but gave us the vital tools of resilience, perseverance, teamwork, and courage to face challenging situations in the future, whether in Army or civilian life.
Freshers Week 2024
Are you a university student in Yorkshire and the Humber and looking for that next adventure? Visit the Officers’ Training Corps at a Freshers Week near you for more information.
- University of Leeds – 23-27 Sep 24
- Leeds Beckett University – 16-20 Sep 24
- University of Bradford – TBC
- York St John University – 23-27 Sep 24
- University of York – 13-20 Sep 24
- University of Hull – 14-24 Sep 24
- University of Sheffield – 23-28 Sep 24
- Sheffield Hallan University – 16-20 Sep 24