CADETS RISE TO CHALLENGE ON MOURNE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE

Cadet teams from the Air, Army, Sea and Combined Cadet movements  join community youth groups from across Northern Ireland on the now infamous Mourne Mountain Adventure (MMA).

The MMA is a youth challenge event held in the Mourne Mountains supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, volunteer organisations, the uniformed and emergency services. It aims to promote individual and team resilience through a number of challenging processes including a mountain phase, water based activity and a task phase.  Its aims include:

• Showcasing the Mourne Mountains as an alternative outdoor activity for young people.
• Developing team working, decision making, co-ordination and communication skills.
• Promote the good work of and provide engagement opportunities for the emergency services and volunteer organisations.
• Contributing to a growth of self-reliance and personal responsibility.
• Developing personal fitness through healthy outdoor activity.
• Instilling an appreciation of the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Mourne Mountains and of the vital importance of conserving this environment.
• Promoting a sense of adventure and fun.

This year there were 2 options of route:  the Expedition route, which started at Tollymore Forest and finished at Silent Valley and the Challenge Route, which is a shorter route, starting at Carrick Little Car Park and finishing at Silent Valley. The teams experienced several activities and tasks along the way, such as archery, a climbing wall and a Command Task, before enjoying a well-earned barbeque and a trip in a Rib at Kilkeel harbour.

All of the teams involved showed huge effort and enthusiasm throughout the day and, hopefully, all had a fantastic time.  We look forward to next year’s adventure!

Pictured above is the Bangor Sea Cadets team who successfully completed the Challenge Route.

Pictured below, from left to right, are teams from 1st (NI) Bn ACF, NI Air Cadets and Royal School Armagh CCF:

Pictured below, from left to right, are teams from Carrickfergus Sea Cadets, Royal Belfast Academical Institution CCF and 2nd (NI) Bn ACF: