 Cadets from every corner of the country are helping to launch Cadet150 today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cadet movement. Cadet ambassadors from all over the country travelled to Buckingham Palace to meet Her Majesty The Queen, who is Patron of Cadet150. The celebrations in 2010 see a programme of over 150 events taking place all over the country throughout the year, reflecting the spirit of fun, excitement, adventure and community service at the heart of the cadet movement. All the events are designed to promote the movement and encourage people of all ages to get involved. With origins dating back to 1860, the cadet movement is one of the oldest and most successful voluntary youth organisations in the world. A force to be reckoned with, today it numbers 131,000 young people led by 25,000 adult volunteers in well over 3,000 sites across the country. Cadet150 honours the role the Cadet Forces play in assisting young people towards responsible adulthood through learning new skills and developing self-confidence, and recognises the contribution the young people themselves make to their local communities. Central to the national commemorations will be a royal review of the Cadet Forces in central London in July 2010, but celebrations will be ongoing throughout the year, all reflecting the spirit of fun, excitement, adventure and community service at the heart of the cadet movement. 60 specially selected cadets will be embarking on a unique expedition to southern Africa during which they will work with orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho, while dozens more will be challenging themselves on treks and expeditions all over the world, including one to Mount Everest. Back in the UK there will be competitions showcasing first aid and a wide array of sports, as well as a special residential camp for cadets participating in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. To represent the lasting legacy of the cadet movement and its continued appeal to young people, cadets across the country will be planting 150,000 trees in partnership with the Woodland Trust. The national events will conclude with formal tributes during Remembrance weekend in November. Flt Lt Neil Banks officer commanding 249 (Hailsham) Squadron, Air Training Corps said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 150 years of this fantastic movement. The Cadet Forces offer such great opportunities for thousands of young people across the UK. We are encouraging people to find out more through Cadet150 – come along and Live the Adventure!” For more information about the Cadet150 celebrations in 2010, or to find out how you could join or support the cadet movement, visit www.cadet150.org
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