1861 (Wantage) Squadron RAF Air Cadets is a youth organisation sponsored by the RAF and we offer young people from all walks of life a chance to get active, learn new skills and make new friends in an inspirational and safe environment.
We welcome young people from age 12 years and in school Year 8 or above to join us.
We meet on a Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7pm-9.30pm, all year except for a two-week shutdown over Christmas and New Year (usually the school holidays or thereabouts).
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.
We offer 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 Ambulance to offer awards and qualifications.
There are lots of opportunities to do a wide range of fun activities, as well as the more serious side of things, but the focus is always on enjoying yourself while improving your confidence and skills. All cadets after they enrol officially, at the end of their Basic Training, are then eligible to join in activities off squadron.
We get to do a huge variety of activities such as flying, gliding, target shooting, adventure training, fieldcraft, radio, cyber, sports, music, camps, expeditions, drill, academic studies, and lots of other things. 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 a few pounds per week, making it great value for money considering what you get out of it. We also provide the uniforms; parents would only need to buy the shoes and boots.
If you have any questions or are considering joining us, either as a cadet or a volunteer, please call us on 01235 762079 on a parade night (answer machine out of hours) or email adj.1861@rafac.mod.gov.uk
