3RD SEPTEMBER 2026


FAMILY VALUES AN ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE DISTRIBUTED WITH Going further with the Army Cadets


For many parents, finding activities that genuinely make a difference to their child’s future can feel like an uphill task


Te Army Cadets — one of the UK’s largest youth organisations, with over 74,000 cadets across more than 1,600 locations — has been quietly transforming young lives for generations. Open to any young person aged 12


to 18, with no school requirements to join, the Army Cadets offers something truly different. It’s a youth organisation with a military theme, not a military organisation — and that distinction matters. Parents from every background find that it provides exactly the kind of structured, values-led environment that helps young people thrive.


Building real confidence At its heart, the Army Cadets is about fun, friendship, action and adventure. But the benefits run much deeper. Cadets develop the ability to communicate clearly, lead a group and work effectively as part of a team. Many parents report watching their child grow from a quiet, uncertain 12-year-old into a composed, capable young adult — and they credit the Cadets for making that happen. Staff Cadet Harnaam Singh, from


Staffordshire and West Midlands, put it this way: “I don’t believe 12-year-old Harnaam would recognise me now, who I’ve become and what I’ve done, all at the hands of the Army Cadets.”


Qualifications that open doors Te Army Cadets offers a remarkable range of accredited qualifications. Young people can work towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, gain BTEC qualifications in Teamwork and Personal Development, earn nationally recognised


first aid certificates,


explore cyber security through CyberFirst courses, and receive free music tuition with the opportunity to sit ABRSM music qualifications. Tese are achievements that sit proudly on CVs and university applications.


Annual camps, overseas opportunities and competitions at county, regional and national level mean there’s always something new on the horizon


Adventure, sport & belonging From field exercises and adventurous training to competitive sport across athletics,


rugby, swimming,


football and orienteering, Cadets are kept active, engaged and challenged. Annual camps, overseas opportunities and competitions at county, regional and national level mean there’s always something new on the horizon. Crucially, Cadets never face these


adventures alone. Te sense of camaraderie — working shoulder to shoulder with peers and supported by dedicated adult volunteers — is something families describe as irreplaceable.


Safe, structured & inclusive Every detachment is led by trained Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who are vetted, qualified and passionate about young people’s development. Te Army Cadets’ core values — courage, discipline, loyalty, respect for others, integrity and selfless commitment — provide a clear framework that young people genuinely embrace. Research shows that cadets are


more likely to attend further or higher education, show improved mental and physical wellbeing, and have enhanced employment prospects. Te impact extends to families and communities, too. As so many cadets and parents have said: “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”


To find the nearest detachment, visit armycadets.com


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