Cadets Gain Confidence and Courage Through Matthew Bacon Bursary

This year, three Army Cadets grew their confidence in the heart of Snowdonia after being awarded the Matthew Bacon Bursary from ACCT UK. Matthias, Matthew, and Aaron had the opportunity to take part in a transformative 14-day Summit Adventure with the Outward Bound Trust. Their experience was rooted in adventurous training (AT) and personal growth. It honours the legacy of Major Matthew Bacon, whose life was deeply shaped by such challenges as a young cadet.

Matthias has just returned from his 3-day expedition, having tackled Snowdonia’s hills. These were a particular challenge for this Oxford native, not used to mountainous terrain. He reflected on how much he enjoyed the breadth of adventurous training he was able to experience compared to regular cadet life. Matthias noted that the opportunity stretched his abilities and boosted his confidence.

Matthew had an extraordinary 15-hour train journey all the way from Scotland! He found his adventure’s pinnacle quite literally… reaching his final summit. The sense of achievement at the top epitomised the confidence-building ethos of the programme and underscored the Bursary’s impact.

Aaron’s highlight has been gorge walking. This demonstrates the variety of activities designed to push cadets out of their comfort zones. Keeping a diary of his adventures, Aaron is already keen on pursuing even longer Outward Bound experiences in the future. He’s eager to challenge himself further.

All three cadets have relished the opportunity to test their limits. Exploring the wilds of Snowdonia has developed invaluable life skills such as leadership, resilience, and adaptability. They wholeheartedly recommend the Matthew Bacon Bursary to any cadet eager to seize opportunities and grow through adventure.

Major Matthew Bacon was an officer in the Intelligence Corps. Matthew was killed whilst on tour in Iraq in 2005. His parents set up the Bursary in his memory. Matthew was a former Surrey ACF cadet, whose passion and confidence were shaped by adventurous training. The Bursary enables Army Cadets aged 15+ to take part in a 14-day Summit Adventure with the Outward Bound Trust. The course is designed to help cadets build confidence, develop life skills, and learn to seize opportunities. The Bursary supports selected cadets with funding for the adventure, travel, and even fundraising guidance. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent deserving young people from participating.

The Matthew Bacon Bursary ensures that adventurous training remains an integral part of the cadet experience. It gives young people the chance to discover new strengths and broaden their horizons. As Matthias, Mackenzie, and Aaron demonstrate, the Bursary is not simply about adventure. It’s about empowering cadets to become the confident, capable leaders of tomorrow.

More Matthew Bacon Bursary recipients…

While these adventurous cadets were experiencing Snowdonia, another was stepping outside their comfort zone at beautiful Loch Eil. Plus two more are setting off to Aberdyfi to grow their confidence and courage through AT…

Help empower an Army Cadet aged 15+ to grow in confidence and unlock their potential. Nominate them for the Matthew Bacon Bursary. Find out how to apply and inspire the next generation of adventurers here.