1861 (Wantage) Squadron RAF Air Cadets is a youth organisation sponsored by the RAF. The Air Training Corps was formed in February 1941 and Wantage Squadron was established in the October of the same year.
Who are we and what do we do?
We welcome young people from aged 12 years and in school Year 8 or above from all walks of life and give them a chance to get active, learn new skills and make new friends in an inspirational and safe environment.
We provide classroom/squadron-based teaching, which is then put into practice outside, where weather and the activities allow. We also partner with organisations such as CVQO, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and St John’s Ambulance to offer awards and qualifications.
There are a huge variety of activities on offer such as flying, gliding, target shooting, archery, climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, adventure training, fieldcraft, radio, cyber, sports, music, camps (including overseas), expeditions, RAF/Army station visits, air shows, museums, drill, teamwork and leadership, academic studies, and lots of other things. The focus is always on enjoying yourself while improving your confidence and skills. There's never a dull moment and we encourage cadets to try everything at least once.
There's a small subscription to cover the running costs, which is around ten pounds per month, making it great value for money considering what you get out of it. We also provide the uniforms, so parents would only need to buy shoes and boots.
We meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9.30pm, all year round. The squadron building is located at the top of Icknield Lane, Wantage, OX12 8ES (behind the Scout Hut), and is best accessed from Ormond Road.
Our next intake evening will be in February 2023 so if you’d like to come along and see what we do, please get in contact.
The Air Cadets is not just for teenagers though. If you are interested in training or teaching young people, or in back-office roles such as managing stores, office administration, or planning events and activities, then please get in touch. You need no specific qualifications as we will provide free training, all we need is your time and enthusiasm. If training or administration is not your cup of tea, please consider joining our Civilian Welfare Committee, which is like a school’s PTA, who help fundraise and raise awareness of the squadron.
If you have any questions or are considering joining us, either as a cadet or an adult volunteer, please email adj.1861@rafac.mod.gov.uk
