An Arctic Adventure: Berkshire ACF Norway Exchange 2025
22 May 2025
22 May 2025
Cadets from Berkshire ACF swapped their February half-term break for an Arctic adventure. 10 adult volunteers and 29 cadets travelled to Haslemoen Training Camp in Norway, where temperatures dropped as low as -22°C. The cadets joined their Norwegian counterparts from Oslo and Akershus Home Guard Youth for this special exchange.
This international partnership has thrived for over three decades! The 2025 exchange was led by Major Oakley and continued to challenge cadets with training in extreme winter conditions.
“This year’s exchange was extremely successful. It truly delivered the Cadet Experience to the youth of Berkshire. The grants… meant that more cadets and CFAVs felt that they could apply for the exchange as it was more affordable.”
Major Oakley
UK cadets received full Norwegian winter kit upon arrival, including special M02 Gortex uniform for extreme cold. They quickly learned crucial winter survival skills.
The programme covered many important areas, such as:
This rare opportunity to learn skills in the snow added excitement to the cadets’ adventure.
British and Norwegian cadets trained in mixed platoons. This setup created a real cultural exchange. UK cadets didn’t just visit Norway. They lived and trained with their Norwegian peers. They made friends and shared unique experiences together.
The cadets also visited the historic Kongsvinger Fortress. This 15th-century fortress has special meaning – it was the original site where the exchange began back in 1992. This visit cemented the link to the programme’s history.
Training in Norway tested the cadets’ strength. Morning temperatures reached -22°C. These conditions demanded physical endurance and mental toughness.
Camp craft training proved essential. Survival depended on making proper shelter and maintaining heat. Cadets practiced these skills during a challenging field exercise.
Everyone used the “Snow Buddy” system. This enhanced buddy system kept everyone safe. It built team spirit and personal responsibility.
For many cadets, this was their first trip abroad without family. It was their first time in Arctic conditions. It was certainly their first attempt at military skiing. These new challenges helped them grow as people.
The exchange achieved its aims. It built team spirit. It developed leadership skills. The experience boosted cadets’ confidence and improved their communication abilities. The programme created growth opportunities for cadets that would be impossible to find elsewhere.
The generous grant from ACCT UK made a huge difference. Combined with support from the Ulysses Trust and SERFCA, it made this amazing opportunity accessible to more cadets.
These cadets have returned with more than memories of snowy landscapes and military training. They’ve gained lasting lessons in resilience, teamwork, and cultural understanding. These skills will serve them well throughout their lives.