Why Your Child Should Join The Army Cadets

Tired of hearing them say ‘I’m bored’? Fed up forking out for expensive entertainment? If your teenagers are driving you demented, help is at hand … and here are ten top reasons why you should be bundling them off to join the Cadets!

1. Boredom-busting activity programmes. A constant stream of things to do with their mates, from canoeing to first aid, orienteering to mountain biking; shooting to fieldcraft, citizenship projects to socialising …and plenty more!

2. Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme. The world's leading youth achievement award famously offers the chance for young people to be amazing. The Cadets provide a great gateway to that scheme.

3. It’s all free or low cost. There’s a family-friendly policy here which means everything is either affordable or, even better, totally free. Even the uniforms are free. You just pay for the footwear.

4. A two-week Summer Camp. Oh the joy of waving your teens off on a fitness-building fortnight of adventure and craic, while you draw up a sun lounger in the garden.

5. Confidence. No-one can be good at everything, but everyone can be good at something. Becoming a Cadet will help your teen to gain skills, tackle challenges and discover hidden talents and strengths. They’ll also learn the value of perseverance and see just how much further they can stretch with a little encouragement. Time to shine!

6. Choice. Army Cadet Force, Sea, Marine or Air Cadets … Open Detachment or join at School or College …there’s sure to be a Cadet Detachment to suit your son or daughter. Check out the options and when and where they meet at http://www.reservesandcadetsni.org.uk...

7. Boys and girls. There’s no glass ceiling here and – just for the record – this is very much an equal opportunities environment on all fronts. No-one cares how much money you have, or what background you come from, it’s all about the individual.

8. Achievements. Courses, awards and training that add up to recognised accreditations and provide something standout to put on the dreaded Personal Statement which is part of the application process for college or university.

9. Facebook friends are fine, but it’s real mates that matter. Everyone is welcome and everyone joins in. Doing fun and challenging stuff together is a fantastic foundation for building long-lasting friendships. Supportive adults are on hand to make sure no-one gets left out and no-one gets left behind.

10. You can relax …. because you know your teenager is being well looked after, supported, encouraged and tutored by people who care; people who commit their time, energy and talents to helping kids achieve more than they ever thought possible.