CCF Summer Camp 2026

In Summer Term, the Fourth Form and Lower Sixth CCF cadets took part in their Summer Term Overnight Exercise at Pippingford Park. Over the course of the exercise, cadets undertook a range of demanding activities, including fieldcraft training, reconnaissance tasks, command challenges and tactical exercises.

They were also tested during two blank-firing exercises: a challenging night ambush and a daytime section attack, both of which required teamwork, leadership and resilience under pressure. By Thursday morning, cadets had successfully endured a night sleeping in the woods and all the challenges that came with it. In one particularly memorable incident, a frog decided that a sleeping bag provided suitable accommodation for the night! 

The conduct, enthusiasm and determination displayed throughout the exercise were outstanding. Staff were particularly impressed by the way our senior cadets led and supported the younger members of the contingent, helping to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere throughout. 

Thank you to all the cadets who took part, as well as the staff and volunteers who gave up their time to make the exercise possible. It was a hugely successful event and a reminder that a little rain, lack of sleep and the occasional muddy boot are no match for a determined group of cadets.
Contingent Commander, Captain Kate Horwell.  

Quotes from students:  

The overnighter was a new and exciting experience, especially for the Fourth Form, who were firing blank rounds for the first time. This allowed them to develop their skill at arms, teamwork and leadership. Every activity was a good opportunity to get stuck in, evidently, as enthusiasm was abundant throughout the contingent, despite the adverse weather conditions. 
Evie M, Lower Sixth NCO 

I enjoyed many things about the CCF overnighter but one of my highlights was being able to spend such a good time with my friends whilst getting the experience of shooting blank rounds from a riffle and sleeping in a basher. Also learning how to cook my own food from a ration pack was such an amazing experience to me and the overnighter overall was an experience that I got to share with my friends whilst learning new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. 
Lexi P, Fourth Form  

It was so nice to see all the cadets getting stuck in, no matter the weather or what we were doing. This was easily the rainiest overnighter I have ever experienced at Lancing, but thankfully it was dry during the night. Despite this, we ploughed on through all of our criteria, and came away with new skills and experiences. I hope that the Fourth Formers enjoyed themselves as much as the NCOs did – they really are great company, and their enthusiasm was a lovely thing to be part of. Thank you so much to all the staff involved, for keeping us so busy that we were tired enough to sleep when the time came. Another unforgettable CCF experience!
Lucy M, Lower Sixth NCO 

I enjoyed manning and leading a section attack, as well as firing off blank rounds.
Aaron T, Fourth Form