TORBAY Scout Grace Rogerson has been part of a unique anniversary camp — as part of her bid for gold.

The 16-year-old, who lives in Torquay, is a member of the 6th Torbay Scout Group.

She was selected to attend the unique residential camp at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, which was part of year-long celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of cadets.

It also counts as an element of their work towards the Gold Award on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

A pupil of St Cuthbert Mayne School, where she is studying for her GCSEs, Grace has been an active member of the Scouts for about ten years.

"Being part of the Scouting family has given me so many different experiences," said Grace.

"When I got the chance to be part of the Cadet 150 residential camp I was thrilled to have that as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award work. It wasn't that far to come but I have met people from all over the UK and the marching has been fun as we don't do that in the Scouts like they do in the Cadets."

A total of 130 selected cadets arrived in BRNC having initially assembled in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship Argus in Portsmouth. Two nights were spent on board giving them all a taste of living in a large ship and they even tried their hand at some fire-fighting practice.

Utilising the excellent BRNC facilities on the River Dart, working in the twin screw Picket Boats and open motor whalers, plus numerous activities and exercises around the college grounds, the tasks undertaken by the cadets were designed to teach teamwork and group management.

Areas studied included trust and confidence, leadership and military information. There was some classroom based work as well as opportunities for sports competitions.

As well as camp contributing towards their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, the cadets will gain accreditation for the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) (Level 2) in team leading.

The whole week drew to a close with a ceilidh including Scottish country dancing which the cadets had had to learn during the week at BRNC.

Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Lieutenant Colonel Alistair Spowage, the commanding officer of the camp, explained: "It has been wonderful to see how all the cadets have approached this week with such enthusiasm. There has been a wide variety of activities some of which have been more challenging than others, even the dancing."

The Cadet Force is voluntary youth organisation which provides young people with the opportunity to develop and test themselves through adventurous activities and challenges, learning new skills with the chance to gain some additional qualifications along the way. They not only look to their self-development but also get involved with volunteer and charitable work in the community.